Karachi: Former players have expressed mixed reactions to the selection of the Pakistan cricket team for the tri-nation cricket series and Asia Cup cricket tournament scheduled in the United Arab Emirates. However, Kamran Akmal strongly criticized the selection of the team, saying that the team should have been selected keeping in mind the important match against India in the Asia Cup, but in the past few years, the team is being selected on the basis of likes and dislikes.
Speaking at a private event held in Karachi, former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed said that a new Pakistani cricket team has emerged in the last three to four years, and opportunities have been provided to young players including Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Saim Ayub.
He said that the Pakistan cricket team can be successful for the tri-nation series and Asia Cup cricket tournament to be held in the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan’s record on the pitches of the United Arab Emirates has been excellent.
Sarfaraz Ahmed said that batter Fakhar Zaman, who recovered from injury and became a part of the Pakistan cricket team, is a match winner. It is also good that Fakhar Zaman has been performing very well for the past few years.
The former captain said that the inclusion of cricket in the Olympic Games is welcome, Pakistan has the full potential to win a gold medal in the next Olympic cricket events as well.
Former wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal said that the selection of the team for the tri-nation cricket tournament is correct, but the selection of the Pakistan cricket team for the most important event like the Asia Cup should have been done with great thought.
He said that the team should have been formed keeping in mind the match against India, and it was also necessary to take into account the recent performance of the players while selecting the national team for the mega event.
Targeting the selection of players, Kamran Akmal said that senior players were not given importance for the Asia Cup, unfortunately, the system of Pakistan cricket has deteriorated and competence is not being given any priority.
He said that mistakes have been made for a long time and now the selection of the national team is also a continuation of this. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are very experienced and experienced batsmen, they should have been given a place in the team.
Kamran Akmal said that for the past several years, the team has been selected based on likes and dislikes, the PCB chairman is busy fulfilling his other responsibilities.
He said that when non-cricketers come to the board, it will be the same.
Former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq said that the formation of the Pakistan cricket team has been given on the basis of competence, and young players have been given opportunities with confidence.
He said that he hopes that the Pakistan cricket team will live up to expectations and produce good results. Best wishes are with the team, Pakistan will soon get power hitters.
Abdul Razzaq said that there has been a change in the Pakistan cricket team and it is very heartwarming to see that now the Pakistan cricket team has adopted an aggressive approach.