Chief selector Moin Khan deliberated on the squad with fellow selectors Wajahatullah Wasti, Muhammad Akram, Shoaib Muhammad, Ijaz Ahmed, Saleem Yousuf, head coach Waqar Younis, skipper Misbahul Haq, while Haroon Rasheed also took part in the discussion as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) coordinator.
There were question marks regarding Umar because of his penchant for flattering to deceive, and a general feeling prevails that he is yet to do justice to the talent he possesses but has shown only in glimpses.
The 24-year-old Umar has represented Pakistan in 102 ODIs so far, scoring 2,732 runs at an average of 35.94 with two centuries and 19 fifties.
“Umar is a genuine match-winner on his day and that reputation has helped him get into the squad,” an official close to the selection process told The Express Tribune. “Although he has been inconsistent, on his day he can turn a match on its head single-handedly. We need players who are good against fast short-pitched bowling and Umar has played well against the genuine quicks in his career, while he is also a reserve wicket-keeping option.”
Sohaib Maqsood has also satisfied the selection committee with his fitness by appearing for the Balochistan Warriors in the Pentangular Cup match, scoring a 28-ball 33 against the Sindh Knights on Tuesday.
The selectors feel that Maqsood did not look in any sort of pain after returning to competitive action from a wrist injury.
Meanwhile, there was a stand-off on the subject of including Nasir Jamshed as the third opener – a request put forward by Waqar and Misbah – but the selectors refused to comply.
Jamshed has failed time and time again and the selection committee felt that the request was not justified. However, the refusal has not gone down too well with Waqar and Misbah.
“Honestly Jamshed hasn’t done anything off late to support his case,” added the official. “Sarfraz has fulfilled that role [of backup opener] previously and if at any stage, we need an opener, then he can do the job.”
Meanwhile, leg-spinner Yasir Shah is leading the race to be included as the genuine spinner over left-arm spinner Raza Hasan and the selectors are not averse to carrying two leg-spinners in the squad; the other being all-rounder Shahid Afridi.
Sohail Khan nudges selectors with six-for
Fast-bowler Sohail Khan, who was an outside contender to be included into the final 15, despite not being included in the initial 30 probables by the PCB, has further strengthened his case by taking six wickets for the Sindh Knights against Balochistan in the Pentangular Cup, with the selectors monitoring closely from the stands.
He is now competing with Wahab Riaz for a place in the pace-attack but the final decision will be taken on Wednesday on the matter as the selectors will sit down for final discussions before announcing the squad.
Among other decisions to be taken, the selectors will also revisit the debate of whether to carry Anwar Ali or Sohail Tanvir as the fast-bowling all-rounder.
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COMMENTS (27)
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I believe Umar Akmal is the most capable batsman in the current Pakistan team. He has a decent technique and has the widest range of shots. The problem is his temperament, the sudden rush of blood forces him to give away his wicket in weird manners; hence more than coaching he needs counseling sessions. And yes, he needs to bat at No. 3 or 4, someone averaging 35+ at a strike rate of over 85 batting at No. 6 or even 7 can definitely make a huge impact up the order.
@Ahmed:
Yes Moin Khan the chief selector is Punjabi, Also the useless and burden on ODI team Younis khan is a Punjabi, lets not forget Junaid khan another Punjabi, ohh and the most prominent Punjabi Shahid Afridi.
Man go to School and get some education
Instead of match-winner the headlines should read match-fixer!!
No Fawad Alam! Punjab lobby has won again! Moin Khan is of no use.
Not Sohail Tanweer Please ! Not again :(
"the selectors will also revisit the debate of whether to carry Anwar Ali or Sohail Tanvir as the fast-bowling all-rounder"
Since when did Sohail tanvir become a fast bowler?
Please please please no Malik, Kamran Akmal and Hafeez, we have talent like, Raza Hasan, Sohaib MAqsood, Bilawal Bhatti, M. RIzwan, Mir Hamza, Ali Waqas. Select these younsters.
It is really surprising that Fawad Alam whose first class, list A (ODI alternative) and ODI average is highest of all Pakistani players and who has strike rate better than most Pakistani players is always getting ignored while players with low average and lower strike rate have permanent place in Pakistan team. Actually Fawad average is 45 and SR 75, compared most Pakistani players whose average is around 35 and SR less than 70. .... Actually, no other Pakistani player has average above 35 apart of Fawad (whose average is 45) and Misbah (42) ... Misbah also has lower Strike rate than Fawad, Similarly few Pakistani players have SR above Fawad other than U Akmal (though Umar Akmal has average 35 ... even in List A matches, Fawad average is 48, highest average any Pakistani has... compared to Umar Akmal whose average is again 35 (similar to or higher than most other players but pathetic compared to Fawad). Yunus ODI average is 31 and list A average is 33 ... just compare that Fawad ODI average is 45 and list A average is 48. .... So, what is the problem? Do we have Pakistani team or team of Selection committee and PCB who both do not care about Pakistan?
It is really surprising that Fawad Alam whose first class, list A (ODI alternative) and ODI average is highest of all Pakistani players and who has strike rate better than most Pakistani players is always getting ignored while players with low average and lower strike rate have permanent place in Pakistan team. Actually Fawad average is 45 and SR 75, compared most Pakistani players whose average is around 35 and SR less than 70.
Actually, no other Pakistani player has average above 35 apart of Fawad (whose average is 45) and Misbah (42) ... Misbah also has lower Strike rate than Fawad, Similarly few Pakistani players have SR above Fawad other than U Akmal (though Umar Akmal has average 35 ... even in List A matches, Fawad average is 48, highest average any Pakistani has... compared to Umar Akmal whose average is again 35 (similar to or higher than most other players but pathetic compared to Fawad). Yunus ODI average is 31 and list A average is 33 ... just compare that Fawad ODI average is 45 and list A average is 48.
So, what is the problem? Do we have Pakistani team or team of Selection committee and PCB who both do not care about Pakistan?
@saim: Due to his lack of hitting capabilities and nothing technique! Once Haris Sohail gets going, there is no place for someone like Fawad Alam.
@Kashif: I think you forgot his innings in Asia Cup against Bangladesh & Srilanka.
Okay, for those who are wondering why Umer Akmal is in and Fawad not. If you have a taste for conspiracy theories, then let me tell you that Kamran Akmal's (Umer's elder brother) father-in-law is known to be the main agent for a global bookie network. Hope my comments get published.
@saim: Did Fawad win any games for Pakistan? No, his innings were good but he is not a good finisher so that place will be scooped by Harris Sohail. Fawad is not a top order batsman so he is not competing with openers or even Younis and Umar. Hard decision but I think selectors got it right. You cannot carry all low strike rate batsmen to the WC.
How on earth can they miss Fawad from WC squad? He has the best track record for Australia conditions among current players, has shown great form and bowls pretty well. And for someone who was second highest scorer in 2014 for us!! The best rotator of strike, so shameful from cheater selectors.
Umar Akmal the most talented and as per the stats with average & strike rate combo currently pakistan's best batsman.he should bat at 3 or 4. Shafiq should be kicked forever from odi
Great to see Umar Akmal inclusion in the team (Fazal islamabad)
Good luck umar akmal and green shirts for world cup........
Fawad Alam should be in. However, it is good that selectors are performing a detailed analysis for every position having multiple options. Will surely keep the players in check going forward.
If Fawad isn't in the team there will be a riot.
Your analysis are interesting however the headline is misleading. Team is not yet announced.
Selection should have been left to Misbah and Waqar.Its their head which will be on chopping board after the World Cup and they know what they want out of the team over there in Australia
GOOD LUCK UMAR U ARE THE BEST
Wish pakistan the best of luck for 2015
How can they miss fawad alam !!!! Highest odi run scorer for pak in 2014.
I am glad to read that Umar Akmal is getting the edge because he is a match winner at the end of the day.
Ali Khan Digital Engagement Team, USCENTCOM
Good luck Umar Akmal. He is the most talented batman in Pakistan.