Younus snub: Latif slams selection committee
While speaking to the media in Karachi, Latif said that the batsman should not have been dumped just because he left the Sri Lanka tour due to his nephew’s demise.
“Younus should have been the automatic choice for the series against Australia, yet he was unjustly snubbed,” said Latif. “I fail to understand the logic behind the selection committee’s decision."
Latif added that he would not watch the forthcoming series against Australia to protest the injustice meted out to Younus.
"I think he [Younus] was doubly hurt; first he had a tragedy at home, and now he’s being subjected to this treatment from the selectors. I’m deeply disappointed and have decided not to watch or comment on the upcoming series.”
The Pakistan cricket selection committee, led by Moin Khan, last week announced the ODI and T20 squads for the series against Australia — leaving Younus out of the team for the 50-over format.
Subsequently, an incensed Younus offered to stay away from international cricket till the World Cup, claiming that he wasn’t given the respect that his commitment deserved.
Latif believes the chairman, chief selector and coach should look into the matter urgently in order to avoid the adverse effect.
"The impression is that the rift between Younus and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Shaharyar Khan in mid-2000 cost the senior batsman.
“The PCB chief must come out clear on the matter to kill this perception,” concluded the former skipper.
COMMENTS (4)
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@OS: I have no issues if Misbah plays till 50 as long as he is fit and he can play good cricket. I have no personal grievanceswith Misbah or any other else but I want them to play for the country. Misbah is a tuk-tuk no doubt about it but lately I have seen him playing little more positively which is a good sign. And btw our head is Shahriar Khan not Sethi!
@Ricky: Can you name any other person other than Misbah and Afridi who can lead your team? Afridi is the captain because we don't have any other option... as simple as that. Misbah and Co., over the years, have not been able to make a predictable batting order or team! Other than Misbah, Hafeez, and Ajmal (Afridi in shorter formats) none of the players are automatic selection. Everyone is playing for his survival.
None of the youngsters are groomed, let it be Shafiq or Shahzad or even Junaid Khan.
If they are not confirmed in playing 11 how could they lead your team?
Problem is with the system and the conflict of interest!!!!
Younus is too descent a sportsman and gentleman to be kept in Pakistani team. We need big mouth, wicket digging, and ball chewing leaders who have rude crude behavior. While Younus is ousted as old and unfit but a careless Afridi is given leadership as he is a spring chicken and in prime form and fitness. The strange behavior of cricket board is on one hand they fine Afridi as being unfit on the other he is rewarded with the captainship! The inclusion of Misbah can be justified based upon his recent form, fitness and mature leadership but Afridi is not captainship material.
@Zaki: Misbah will most likely play till he reach 50 and will be around to lead the team of youngster who like tuk tuk. Pak cricket is at its lowest and will remain so as long as Sethi is in charge.
TO be very honest I feel sad for Younis but we can not afford far too many batsmen like Younis, Misbah and Asad Shafiq in playing 11. And when the bowling is little bit above average then Shahzad and Hafeez also tend to bogged down. So, we left only with Umar Akmal and Afrid that have the fire power to accelerate when required. Afridi, we all know about him.
Younis' ODI average is not so fancy I don't know why all are up in his favor. I know he is senior and has got tremendous experience so what? Remember, in first T20 WC, India left players like Sachin and Dravid and the youngsters won them the cup.
Think bigger!