POOR SHOW IN AUSTRALIA ODIs: Baig questions logic behind resting six players

ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan suffered one of the worst series defeats against Australia, former member Senate Standing Committee on Sports Enver Baig has questioned the wisdom in resting top six players at a time when all other cricket-playing nations have no fears of heavy commitments and players injury.

Talking to ‘The News’ following Pakistan’s failure to chase down a reachable target in the fourth One-Dayer in Dubai, Baig said the lethargic attitude shown by the PCB’s selectors would serve no good to Pakistan preparations for the World Cup.

“Look at the Australians. They have been playing international and first-class national cricket uninterrupted for the last six months. Be it a home series against India, Sri Lanka and New Zealand, away series against South Africa or even Big Bash, Australian top cricketers were seen on the move.

“Cricket Australia selectors never thought of resting their top batsmen at least, knowing well the more they would play the better they would get. Giving rest to Babar Azam, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Fakhar Zaman raises doubts over the mature thinking of the selectors. Every team in the world is busy preparing for the World Cup. Surprisingly, for Pakistan giving rest to top players is the best way to prepare the team for tough assignment.”

Baig admitted that fast bowlers required rest in between the tough events. “I agree that fast bowlers, if they are feeling fatigued and tired, need some rest in between the series but not a batsman. The more a batsman plays the better he gets.”

The former member of the Senate body was also unhappy on way the series against Australia was treated.

“It shows a total non-serious attitude on the part of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the selectors and coaches. If you are not prepared to give your best, you have no right to organise or play a series. The cricket lovers always want the best from their teams and not a halfhearted attempt. Sadly, we have never seen the best team effort during the whole series.”

Baig also voiced concern over the PCB and selectors’ efforts to prepare backup for international cricket.

“Look at the way the selectors have treated one of the successes of domestic cricket. Abid Ali who has been scoring heavily in domestic cricket waited too long to get a chance in international cricket. On the contrary, chief selector Inzamamul Haq’s nephew just walked into international cricket even after scoring at around 29 runs per innings in first-class cricket. It not only shows the favoritism but also gives impression that quality and talent do not mean anything for the selectors. A good system always gives chances to the top-performers. Sadly that is not the case in the cricket board here.”

Baig has also hoped that expected domestic changes in line with the instructions from Prime Minister Imran Khan would fetch better results in future.

“I am hopeful and optimistic on the future of Pakistan domestic cricket. A solid and competitive first-class structure is required for raising future cricket stars. Domestic cricket should be as tough as international cricket. Only that way we would be in a position to raise the best backup for international events. Hopefully the roadmap given by Imran Khan will help the PCB raise the element of competitiveness in the domestic cricket.”