Aamer Sohail: We are looking for the future

The Pakistan cricket selectors Thursday named a new-look 16-man Pakistan team for the tri-nation Sharjah Cup to be played between April 1 and 10. Seven members of the ICC Cricket World Cup team, including Waqar Younis and world record holder Wasim Akram, were dropped. Others who failed to make the squad include Saeed Anwar, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Azhar Mahmood, Saqlain Mushtaq, Shoaib Akhtar and Shahid Afridi.

Aamer Sohail at the Press Conference Photo © PCB

"It has been a very difficult decision to leave out the maestros but we are looking for the future. This is the beginning of a rebuilding phase and some of the bitter pills will have to be swallowed. We will have to keep patient, wait and hope for the young guns to justify their talent", chairman of selectors Aamer Sohail told a news conference.

"We have not closed the chapter on the superstars. On the basis of just one poor tournament, their past achievements and heroics cannot be forgotten", Aamer said.

The survivors from the South African tour are: Rashid Latif (captain), Yousuf Youhana (vice-captain), Taufeeq Umar, Saleem Elahi, Younis Khan, Abdul Razzaq and Mohammad Sami.

Mohammad Hafeez, Naved-ul-Hasan and Umar Gul are the only upcapped players in the side.

Hafeez plays for Sargodha and appeared for Sui Gas that won the Kardar Trophy. He is a right-handed opening batsman and a useful off-spinner. Naved-ul-Hasan has previously toured with Pakistan team but has not played. He comes from Sheikhupura and represents Allied Bank. He is a fast bowling all-rounder. Umar Gul, a pathan from Peshawar, plays for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and has been a consistent performer in the domestic and junior level. He is a right-arm fast-medium bowler.

Rashid Latif at the Press Conference Photo © PCB

"I think it is the right time to throw the youngsters in and let them show what they have got. In the absence of the big boys, I think they will realize their responsibilities more than ever. They will know that the seniors are not there and whatever has to be done, it is to be done by only them. This fact will help us know about their mental toughness because in modern day cricket, you have to be mentally very very tough", skipper Rashid Latif said.

Aamer Sohail said it would be premature to say that the careers of the senior boys had reached the dead-end.

"The problem is that we didn't try the youngsters in the past and therefore, now we don't know if the backup boys have the talent, temperament and potential to carry on the good work left by the seniors. We have to persist with the youngsters and keep throwing them in until we are convinced about the future.

"This process may take a few tournaments before we know where we stand. Until we are absolutely sure about the youngsters, we will not close the chapter on the seniors", he said, adding: "The senior players have been excellent servants to the game and the country and we know that it is going to be a painstaking period for everyone associated with this sport. But we had to start this process sometime and now it is for everyone to back these youngsters and keep patient".

Aamer specifically talked about Inzamam-ul-Haq, Saeed Anwar, Shoaib Akhtar and Saqlain Mushtaq.

"As far as Inzi is concerned, if you recall he had a lean period against Australia in 1999-2000. He was dropped but when he came back, he was charged up and piled up runs and runs. I think he needs rest, regroup himself and recharge his batteries because I strongly feel he has at least three years of cricket left in him. Saeed Anwar, we all know that he is around but probably needs to improve his fielding a little bit. You see in one-day cricket, you have to have young legs because you field, bat and bowl for 100 overs. As regards Saqlain Mushtaq, he has looked out of sorts in the last six months and probably needs a break from international cricket. Likewise, Shoaib Akhtar also needs to work on his fitness".

Aamer Sohail said not 90 per cent but 100 per cent of Rashid Latif's demands were accepted by his selection committee. "We have fully backed Rashid because he is the man who is going to lead the team in the field. But he has been told in clear terms that there should not be any experiments and the players will have to play in their positions unless situation demands some reshuffle in batting order".

On the inclusion of Abdul Razzaq, Rashid Latif said he was an excellent all-rounder. "His performance was affected because he was constantly shuffled up and down. He needs some confidence because that's what he actually lacks at the moment".

Squad: Taufeeq Umar, Mohammad Hafeez, Saleem Elahi, Misbah-ul-Haq, Yousuf Youhana (vice-captain), Younis Khan, Naved Latif, Faisal Iqbal, Rashid Latif (wicketkeeper) (captain), Abdul Razzaq, Naved-ul-Hasan, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Sami, Umar Gul, Danish Kaneria, Mohammad Zahid.

Team management: Javed Miandad (coach), Haroon Rashid (manager), Dr Tauseef Razzak (trainer/physiotherapist), Dr Riaz Ahmad (doctor)

Samiul Hasan
General Manager - Media
Mobile + 92 300 842 4389
20 March 2003

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