Who will make the Final Squad ?

The Finale for Wasim
By Saj Sadiq
December 21 2002

In the next week or so, all the talking stops and it's time for the Selectors to announce their World Cup squad. Whilst most of the squad is obvious, there are still a few places up for grabs. The problem for the Selectors has been a poor 5 match one day series has riased doubts about some players.

After the 4 - 1 drubbing that Pakistan has received at the hands of the South Africans in the recently concluded one day series, most Pakistani fans hope that their team will win the World Cup, rather than expect them to. If we are totally honest and let our heads rule our hearts for a minute, then a World Cup victory can only be achieved by outstanding individual performances rather than a combined team effort.

Imran Khan’s class of 1992 were an inferior outfit compared to today’s team, especially when one looks at the strength in depth, talent, fielding and overall capabilities. But what the 1992 team had in their favour was an inspirational leader, a will to win and they were all focused on achieving victory at all costs.

Whichever 15 players are named in the final squad, they will need to fully support the captain. Without the backing of all his players the captain doesn’t stand a chance. What is noticeable these days is that Waqar appears to be a lone warrior out there in the middle, with only the occasional piece of advice offered by Inzamam. Senior players like Wasim Akram, Saqlain Mushtaq, Rashid Latif and Yousuf Youhana need to re-instill the captain’s confidence in them. The 15 guys given the responsibility of representing their country in February need to perform as a team rather than individuals, which is what is currently happening.

Being seen as a dangerous opponent with a tendency to either self destruct or completely obliterate the opposition is simply not good enough. The Board despite their shortcomings have invested a lot of time and money in this group of players and they are simply not paying the Board back with commanding or worthy performances. The occasional good performance against the big 2 is then forgotten as time and again a lack of professionalism is the root cause of defeat after defeat.

Well who should be entrusted with attempting to bring back the World Cup trophy to Pakistan ? It should be noted that that the recent series in South Africa has put more doubts in the minds of the selectors, rather than players actually cementing their places. It appears amazingly as though some players who weren’t even in the squad to South Africa have benefited from the shortcomings of the likes of Taufeeq Umar.

In my opinion the following players are certain selections, they aren’t necessarily my choices but are based on recent selections adopted by the coach, captain and selectors. Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, Abdul Razzaq, Yousuf Youhana, Saqlain Mushtaq, Inzamam ul Haq, Younis Khan, Rashid Latif, Mohamed Sami and Shahid Afridi. The other 4 places are anybody’s guess, but if we analyse what other types of players are required in addition to the above named 10, then we may be able to find the right blend. Obviously 2 more openers are required and in my opinion the selectors will give Saleem Elahi the nod, also I think Saeed Anwar will be brought back from the wilderness and given the chance to end his illustrious career after the World Cup. I personally would like to see Afridi and Anwar opening the batting throughout the tournament with Elahi as back up. The middle order trio is self selected so another middle order batsman is required and I think Faisal Iqbal will get selected ahead of Misbah and Hasan. The final place in my squad goes to Azhar Mahmood. Although he has been injured I think he may be recalled as the back up all rounder to Abdul Razzaq and Wasim Akram.

Mohamed Zahid and Misbah ul Haq were not recently used points to the fact that they may not get selected. Also, it may be easier for experienced players like Saeed Anwar and Azhar Mahmood to adjust to South African conditions once gain, rather than bringing in the likes of Imran Farhat or Imran Nazir.

In summary, I strongly believe that if this squad of players were to be handed to Imran Khan if he were still playing, he would lead them to victory in the World Cup, but whether Waqar can match the great Khan’s achievements is another matter. Internal bickering, differences of opinion and other such petty activities should be forgotten if they are to achieve their aim.