ISLAMABAD - Former Test fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz termed Younus Khan's demotion in B category as disgusting, shameful and highly regrettable treatment lend towards country's only skipper till date to win T20 World Cup for Pakistan.
“This is not only the insult of a great player a living legend like Younus, but it is also the insult of millions of Pakistanis. Such an attitude towards a great player is not acceptable. If Hafeez, Afridi and Juniad Khan could be included in A category, then why not Younus? it is true, he is just representing country in one format but it is not his fault. He has always expressed his desire and makes himself available for all the formats. PCB and its panel of selectors are consistently ignoring Younus from other two formats. Younus still has lot of cricket left in him. I will request PCB Chairman Najam Sethi to look into this matter of grave importance and ensure Younus must get justice and persons responsible should be taken to task.”
Talking to The Nation on Sunday, he said selectors have already wasted a world class bowler like Junaid Khan who could have been easily part of any international country in all the formats but here in Pakistan he was completely misused. “He was treated like an alien and keeping him in and out had badly hampered his potential and destroyed his abilities. He could have been by now the spearhead of Pakistan bowling and destroyed top orders of any given opponent. I still believe there is still time left and Juniad must be a regular part of Pakistani team in all the three formats of the game. I can assure, if given proper opportunities and confidence, he would soon lead Pakistan bowling and could play major role in future victories of the country in the years to come.”
Sarfraz said he had time and again requested the PCB to ensure a NADRA official should be present on the site during time of trials at junior levels and his presence would ensure no wrongdoing could take place as he can verify age on spot. “Now is the time PCB must shun old methods of verifying ages through doctors as that formula has failed long time ago. I will also request PCB chairman to order training camps for Fata U-19 players just like camps for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Abbottabad and Peshawar players are going to start today. It is grave injustice to Fata players and Pakistan could get lot of talent especially in fast bowling department from the region.”
Sarfraz also questioned criteria of allotting contracts to players in different categories. “When players were invited to NCA for long training camp, why they were not even considered for any category. There were some bright players, who deserved at least D category, but their names were not considered while on the other hand some player, who had long not being the part of any format of the national team were rewarded with central contracts, which is a grave injustice to the deserving players.”
He said pool of wicket keepers must also be enhanced and that too on priority basis, relying on only two keepers is not a wise thing. “I have always pleaded to enhance pool of players and have always offered my services in any capacity. It is the PCB who should decide whether they want to benefit from my expertise or not. I want to give country number of fast bowlers. I had long requested PCB I wanted to start camp, but despite lapse of more than sufficient time, I am still waiting for the reply. this attitude needed to be changed,” Sarfraz concluded.