Whatmore, Misbah scuffled with Moin over selection

Team management disputed before first ODI debacle in Sharjah.

KARACHI:

Prior to the opening One-Day International (ODI) against South Africa, members of the Pakistan team management were engaged in a fierce argument over the selection of the playing squad, The Express Tribune has learnt.

An official close to the team revealed that manager Moin Khan was at loggerheads with head coach Dav Whatmore, aided by captain Misbahul Haq, over the selection of the wicket-keeper for the series.

Moin, a former captain and wicket-keeper, advocated the selection of Sarfraz Ahmed in place of explosive batsman Umar Akmal.

“Moin’s point was to select a regular wicket-keeper in place of middle-order batsman Akmal who has been given additional duty to keep wickets,” the official told The Express Tribune. “In addition, there was also debate about the inclusion of inform Asad Shafiq and pacer Junaid Khan.

“But both Whatmore and Misbah voted for Akmal as they were happy with his performance in the same role on the tour of the West Indies. Whatmore also indicated that everyone should work in their domain.”

The dressing room has been in tatters of late as the clash of team officials is disturbing the atmosphere and harmony of the squad. The official felt the disagreement, which had resulted in heated argument, affected the dressing room’s environment ahead of the game.

“Whatmore and Moin are not getting along well, because they both want to stamp their authority on the team,” the official revealed.

“Whatmore knows that the stakes are high because the coach is blamed whenever the team loses. He believes that a manager should only control things outside the field.”

It should be mentioned here that in 2007 senior players were against bringing in Whatmore as the coach due to his strict nature and dominating personality.

Pakistan shockingly lost the first ODI by one run after losing the last six wickets for just 17 runs as they failed to achieve the required 184-run target.

However, the Whatmore-Misbah nexus continued to take decisions as the team remained unchanged for the second ODI in Dubai.

Malik, Razzaq impress T20 selectors with ‘form’

Former captain Shoaib Malik and experienced all-rounder Abdul Razzaq have become strong contenders to make comebacks in Pakistan’s Twenty20 squad for the two-match series against South Africa.

The Pakistan Cricket Board’s selection committee is likely to announce the squad any time before the fourth ODI between the two sides. The two T20s will be played in Dubai on November 13 and 15.

It has been learnt that both Malik and Razzaq have made it among the 20 shortlisted players and appear certain to be included in the final 15.

However, the confirmation will be made after final deliberation between the selection committee and team management — captain Mohammad Hafeez, manager Moin and coach Whatmore.

“In the initial discussion, both selection committee and team management were in favour of their inclusion,” said another official.

“Malik is an experienced campaigner and the selectors want to avail his expertise.

“Similarly, Razzaq is also working hard and playing domestic cricket as well. The squad will be selected keeping the World Twenty20 in mind and the duo’s experience is being counted as vital for the team.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 2^nd, 2013.

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