Completing the clean sweep : New players are lifting the team, says Haroon Rasheed

Chief selector warns competition is too fierce for anyone to be guaranteed a spot

KARACHI:

Pakistan’s outstanding performance across all three formats on the Sri Lanka tour has naturally pleased the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its leading officials. Chief selector Haroon Rasheed believes that a strong pool of players is developing and the days when senior players used to take their spots for granted are long gone.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, the seasoned board official claimed that the selection committee has earmarked 50 players that can serve the team in different formats.

“We have a pool of 50 players across all three formats and these players will be utilised in different conditions. Youngsters like Mohammad Nawaz, Zafar Gohar, and Saad Nasim are some of the core players in this group; we are not neglecting anyone who shows potential,” he said.



Haroon revealed that besides the engagements of the senior team, the A and junior squads are set to be given extensive cricket in the coming months. “We have almost finalised an extensive series with the England Lions outfit,” he said. “Many youngsters will get to play limited-overs games against the English team. The idea is to test as many players as possible before next year’s World T20 in India.”

The 62-year-old was especially pleased with Pakistan’s astounding win against Sri Lanka from a position of little hope in the second T20 at Colombo. “T20 is an unpredictable format, but to recover from 40-5 shows the strength of the team,” he said, while reserving special praise for man of the match Anwar Ali and all-rounder Imad Wasim. “The PCB has invested in players like Anwar and Imad; they have gone through the rigours of cricket from their U19 days and are now ready for international cricket. It is fantastic to see them show such heart, courage and confidence.”

‘Ahmed, Umar, Tanvir need to stay consistent’

Haroon asserted that the seniors in the team cannot afford to be complacent anymore and that the only way to maintain a place in the side now is through consistent performances.

“I have fought hard for the return of Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal, and these players need to know that they will have to be consistent,” he said. “Hafeez and other senior players need to step up to the plate as well. Sohail Tanvir needs to work harder on his fitness and form too.”

Stalwarts praise team, demand consistency

Legendary batsman Javed Miandad has asked for consistency from the team after their heroics in Sri Lanka.

“If we compare the two teams then Pakistan is a far better side at the moment,” he said. “The exit of senior players has left a big impact on the Sri Lankan team. However, they did make things difficult for Pakistan and even now there are areas of concern that must be addressed.”

Miandad added that the real test for the men in green lies against more formidable opponents in their own backyard. “The youngsters are surely capable but I still feel that the real challenge for them, as well as the rest of the players, will be when they tour countries like Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.”

Waqar credits attacking mindset

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis hailed his players’ positive and attacking approach as the catalyst behind the series wins.

“I would not say we have become world beaters after winning the entire tour but I would say that we are heading in the right direction,” he told AFP via the phone from Colombo. “I think the best thing on this tour was that the mindset of the players is now more positive.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 3^rd,  2015.

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