By Saj Sadiq
December 31 2002

The Pakistani Selectors opted for experience when announcing the squad for the World Cup. Azhar Mahmood was included ahead of the likes of Shoaib Malik, Faisal Iqbal and Mohamed Zahid. Taufeeq Umar was selected ahead of Imran Nazir, Naved Latif and Imran Farhat. The selectors have today announced their squad for the forthcoming World Cup in Africa. The majority of players were certainties with only one or two positions being fought over. The selectors have opted for solidity and experience and haven’t gambled on youth.

The 2 players who were probably not certainties for the squad and have been included were Azhar Mahmood and Taufeeq Umar. Azhar has been in England receiving treatment on a shoulder injury and Dale Naylor who has been treating him, must have confirmed to the PCB that he would be fit for the 6 week tournament. Taufeeq only played a bit part in the recently concluded 5 match series in South Africa and must have thought he had blown his chances, but he looked good in the first test in Durban and this probably swayed the selectors.

The opening batsman consist of Saeed Anwar, a legend in his own right who will be drawing the final curtain on a brilliant career. Saeed is obviously not the player he was, but just seeing his name on the teamsheet must inspire some of his colleagues. The fact that so many pretenders to the thrown, Imran Farhat, Kamran Aqmal, Faisal Iqbal, Imran Nazir have been tried without success, has meant that Saeed has been recalled.

The next opener is Saleem Elahi who has played all the matches in South Africa. It’s a well known fact that Waqar and Pybus rate Saleem. He has not been very effective in the innings he has played on the current tour, although his century proved what a dynamic player he can be. In my opinion he needs to work on his levels of concentration and also his running between the wickets.

Taufeeq Umar is the third opener in the squad and also doubles up as the reserve wicketkeeper. He is an elegant left hander, who has all the strokes and good judgement outside his off stump. He will probably initially be back up to Afridi, Elahi and Saeed, but may get his opportunity if the others fail. Again he is someone who needs to work on rotating the strike.

Shahid Afridi, the name itself brings about images of huge sixes, fast leg spin, hair being swept back and also crazy dismissals. Shahids batting seems to have gone downhill of late as his batting position seems to fluctuate with every match. In my opinion he needs to be given license to thrill at the top of the order, in order to get the best out of him. His bowling could be very useful on South African pitches and is also an excellent fielder. Waqar needs to show more faith in Shahid and in turn Shahid needs to start producing the goods for his country.

Inzamam, Yousuf and Younis Khan are where the majority of the runs are expected to come from in the World Cup. These three are the mainstays of the batting line up and will have to be at their best to give Pakistan any chance of lifting the trophy. Inzamam and Yousuf have proved their quality over the years, but too often of late they seem to throw away their wickets at crucial stages. Younis is a joy to watch when at his best, but in the World Cup he needs to start converting some of those 20s and 30s into big scores.

The wicketkeeping position was one where there must have been lot of deliberation between the selectors. They have opted for Rashid Latif who has been the regular wicketkeeper for the majority of the last 18 months. Although Rashids keeping has been efficient, his batting of late has not been of the required standard. Rashid will be required down the order to contribute with the bat, especially in the big matches. Rashid is one of 3 players who will be calling it a day after the World Cup and he will be desperate to end his career in style.

The trio of all rounders, Wasim Akram, Abdul Razzaq and Azhar Mahmood are all potential match winners and all capable of turning a game on its head. Wasim is the key man in the World Cup. He will be expected to take early wickets in the key matches and put pressure on the top order of their opponents. His bowling in the last few overs of a match is also crucial for his team. Azhar Mahmood is an underachiever and of late has been in the shadow of Abdul Razzaq. Bearing in mind Abdul Razzaqs poor form of late, a fully fit Azhar could just step into the role recently occupied by Abdul. Azhar has a good track record of batting in South Africa and his runs down the order could be useful. Azhar needs to improve his bowling length, as at times he tends to bowl on the short side.

Saqlain is the main spinner in the team, and his selection was a foregone conclusion. He has bowled well throughout the South African tour and is sure to be a key component in the bowling line up. I don’t think Saqlain should be used in the slog overs, as some batsman will hit him on length even though they cant read the spin. His batting needs to improve, as he has been totally out of form.

Mohamed Sami and Shoaib Akhtar provide the real pace in the team, although Sami will probably be backup to Waqar, Wasim, Shoaib, Saqlain and one of the all rounders. Shoaib will be looked upon to provide the firepower and blast the opposition batsman. If anyone in world cricket can fill this role then Shoaib can. The World Cup is the stage that Shoaib may thrive upon, and he will see this as his chance for glory. I think Shoaib will really be up for the big matches such as Australia, England and India. It may be an idea to rest him in the lesser matches.

Waqar Younis has been appointed the skipper and is under immense pressure after the defeats against Australia and South Africa. He has been trying his utmost, but the team doesn’t seem to be responding to his motivational techniques. Waqars key jobs will be to unite the team and reinstall the lost confidence in the batsman. Off the field situations may even be as important as on the field scenarios, with this temperamental unit.

The squad as a whole has a wealth of experience and knows what is required of them to win a trophy such as the World Cup. The strength lies in the bowling and this line up has the ability to blast out any opposition cheaply. The last few overs should be left to Waqar and Wasim, rather than the likes of Razzaq, Saqlain or Afrid. The batsman will have to raise their game and need to be more careful in their shot selection on South African pitches. I think the strategy should be that as the first 15 overs are crucial for Pakistan, if they can progress without losing more than 2 wickets, then the likes of Inzamam,Yousuf and Younis can play through the middle overs then the likes of Wasim, Razzaq and Azhar can suddenly increase the run rate in the last few overs.

Overall I am satisfied with this squad and I do honestly believe that with the right team selections, full support of the senior players for Waqar Younis and consistent batting orders of Afridi opening, Youhana at 3 and Inzamam at 4, stands a good chance of competing with the favourites.