Sohail’s selection lauded but criticism galore

KARACHI: Former Test fast bowler Jalaluddin said on Wednesday the selection of medium pacer Sohail Khan was a correct decision as he had been taking wickets in the domestic cricket for a long time.
He told ‘The News’ that Sohail had good line and length and variation which would create problems on the pitches of New Zealand and Australia.
He said that the selection of Umar Akmal was debatable as Asad Shafiq and Fawad Alam could have been better choices. “Umar Akmal has been given a lot of chances and he is still not dependable,” he said.
Jalal said that selecting Ehsan Adil and Wahab Riaz was a poor decision. “Anwar Ali and Mohammad Sami have been performing well in the domestic cricket; they should have been considered,” he said.
However, he said overall the team announced was a good combination. He was of the view that Pakistan would have to face bowling issues and see how they cope up with the problems during the World Cup.
The selection of Sohail has surprised many but those who keenly watch domestic cricket said it was a wise decision.
Sohail has some experience of international cricket and can bat well in the lower order.
Former first class cricketer Haris Khan said the World Cup squad was balanced. He also applauded the inclusion of Sohail.
Haris said the selection of leg spinner Yasir Shah was good as a leg spinner is always needed in international cricket. “He is improving a lot, is inventive and his form and fitness justify his selection,” he said. He said he was optimistic that Pakistan would perform well in the World Cup. “Younis Khan, Ahmed Shahzad, Sohaib Maqsood, Irfan, Mishab, Afridi and Sarfraz have the ability to change the game. Pakistan have a history of coming from behind when they are considered weak,” he said.
However, he said Mohammad Sami, a genuine pacer who has bowled well in New Zealand and Australia, should have been considered. “If Hafeez is allowed to bowl, it will be a big boost for Pakistan,” he said. He said that Pakistan were facing some bowling issues but Haris Sohail could be used as a regular bowler and Ahmad Shahzad as the sixth bowler.
The local cricket organisers who are deeply involved in domestic cricket and keep eye on the performances in domestic matches alleged that the team had been selected without considering the showings in the Pentangular Cup.
They bitterly criticised the selectors and asked what the benefit of Pentangular Cup was if players’ performances were not to be considered for the World Cup.
Players had been selected on the basis of likes and dislikes of the selection committee members, the captain and the coach, they alleged.
They said PCB had announced that players would be selected on the basis of form and fitness in domestic cricket, especially in Pentangular Cup. “Then why has Shoaib Malik been ignored who scored so many runs and took wickets?” said an organiser.
in current ODI matches, Asad “Besides, Asad Shafiq scored two centuries in this tournament. Mohammad Sami and Anwar Ali have been continuously performing well, but they have not been considered,” he said.
The organisers alleged that there were at least three injured players in the 15-member team. They added that only fast bowler Sohail Khan had been selected on the basis of performance in the domestic cricket.