Former players content with team selection

Changes were on the cards, say ex-cricketers; Afridi’s comeback hailed.

KARACHI: The return of Shahid Afridi and Umar Akmal besides the inclusion of youngsters at the expense of Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal and Imran Farhat received a positive response from former Test cricketers who backed majority of the choices made by the authorities.

After a woeful performance at the ICC Champions Trophy, where Pakistan were the only team to record all losses, there were calls for an overhaul keeping the 2015 World Cup in mind.

Speaking after the team announcement for the upcoming West Indies tour, former cricketers seemed satisfied with the overall selection.

“These changes were on the cards after the Champions Trophy debacle,” said former captain Aamir Sohail.

“The selectors were under pressure and had to make changes. The squad chosen comprises popular choices like the return of Afridi and Ahmed Shehzad and we should respect that.

“But I would have liked to see Kamran Akmal getting one last chance this time as an opener.”

Meanwhile, former fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar backed Afridi to perform in the series.

“It’s true that Afridi is struggling but I feel it was not appropriate to drop him for the Champions Trophy. Afridi can still perform and he will. His return is positive but he will have to contribute a lot this time.

“The selected squad is the best available talent in the limited pool of players. The idea of Umar Akmal being given an added responsibility as a wicket-keeper is fair enough. The selection of [Mohammad] Rizwan is also good.

“[Abdul] Razzaq was not needed in West Indies conditions with the presence of Afridi, but I feel he should have been given the chance for the Twenty20s.”

The former pacer also called on batsmen Asad Shafiq and Umar Amin to take more responsibility.

Meanwhile, another former chief selector, Salahuddin Ahmed, hailed the inclusion of youngsters in the squad, especially Hammad Azam.

“The overall team selection is good and was made by looking at the World Cup,” said Salahuddin. “But I think Sarfraz Ahmed or Adnan Akmal would have been a better choice.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 4^th, 2013.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.