Big match in Karachi gives Waqar the ‘goosebumps’

KARACHI: Waqar Younis is no stranger to controversy. And he doesn’t mind creating one either.

On Saturday in the lead up to the Pakistan Super League final, the former Pakistan captain opened a Pandora’s Box when he said that the biggest hurdle in the way of in-form Kamran Akmal and a spot in the national team is Sarfraz Ahmed.

Asked whether Kamran deserves an opportunity to play for Pakistan again after his stellar performance in the PSL, Waqar said: That’s a controversial question and will get a controversial answer. Kamran Akmal cannot come in the team because the man he will have to replace is the captain of the national team,” Waqar told reporters ahead of the PSL final featuring Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United.

Waqar, Islamabad’s coach, said that Kamran can only play in the national team as its wicketkeeper as his poor fielding will not allow him to get selected in any other position.

Kamran, 36, last played for Pakistan in the series against West Indies in April 2017, making a return to the national squad after becoming the top run-scorer in the last PSL tournament. But he was dropped because of his poor fielding.

Speaking on a different issue, Waqar said that he was pleased to be back in Karachi, a venue where he made his international debut 30 years ago.

“I am glad to be back here. And it will be great to see international players playing again in the National Stadium. Karachi is a cricket-loving city.

“I am already getting goosebumps. With the weather suitable for playing conditions, I predict that it will be a high-scoring match,” he said.