ISLAMABAD - After pathetic performance of Pakistan team in the three-match Twenty20 series against Kiwis, which they lost miserably, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief selector Haroon Rasheed and others must resign immediately.
It was time and again mentioned that Pakistan team would struggle against New Zealand with such an ordinary team selection, such dismal show certain, but no one bothered to pay any heed and the end result was humiliation at the hands of Kiwis.
After winning the first T20 with some ease and comfort, it was complacency, as always, which cost them dearly. Najam Sethi and company were in a rush to include tainted M Aamir in the national squad and the situation was created just to adjust him by hook or crook. Specialist T20 players like Sohail Tanveer and M Irfan were ignored which was a big blunder by the PCB. Wahab Riaz was given nod of approval despite a super flop in the ODIs and T20 Internationals while Ahmed Shahzad, who is a huge flop in the last year, also managed to get a place in the squad due to his very close relation with Afridi. Umar Gul should have been given more matches before unleashing him in the national squad.
Waqar Younis is a super flop coach. In his first stint with the national team, he was not less than a disaster and he was once again given nod of approval to destroy the national team. Waqar is not only arrogant but also always puts his ego way ahead of national interests.
The poor team selection and pathetic batting order have already destroyed careers of a number of players and Waqar has major contribution in this regard. His liking and disliking policy continue once again and that too unabated. Sohaib Maqsood has never ever batted at number 3, as his impatience has already cost the team dearly even in the domestic circuit, but reasons best known to Waqar, who made Sohaib scapegoat, which clearly indicates that his career is almost over at least for the time being.
A lot of hue and cry was made by the chief selector Haroon Rasheed and he was pleading Aamir’s case and went on to admit. The country is dried up and no fast bowling talent was available that’s why the PCB is left with no other option but to include M Aamir in the national squad. Aamir’s performance in the three T20 Internationals against Kiwis was really questionable, as he managed just one wicket and conceded 100 runs. Yes, it is true, he could have easily begged three wickets in his comeback match, but thanks to superb catching by Afridi and Sohaib, he was deprived of taking those scalps. But it is also true, Aamir looked quite impressive only in the first two overs of the first T20 and after that, he was not more than a club bowler.
A tainted person was allowed to further tarnish the name of the country. It would have been far better, had Sohail Tanveer been added to the national squad. It seems Haroon Rasheed has some personal issues with Sohail but why he had ignored Irfan is really thought-provoking. Rizwan should have been part of the squad from the very first match but he was also deprived of his due right. Hafeez also didn’t impress with his performance, as he had played well only in the first match and after that it was same old story.
The way Afridi disappointed both with willow and leather is very hard to absolve. He has completely lost his confidence. This was the perfect time to call it a day and hang his boots, instead of inflicting more damages on the national cause. He just carries on with his self-styled batting.
The World T20 is just round the corner, and instead of carrying liabilities like Ahmed Shahzad, Hafeez, Wahab Riaz and Afridi, the PCB must take bold decisions and show the doors to coaching staff, the entire selection committee and appoint former Test players and technocrats to change the fortunes of Pakistan cricket. The Prime Minister must wake up and should show the doors to all incompetent PCB officials who are bringing bad name to the country. A high-level inquiry committee should be established to find out the real reasons behind Pakistan team’s dismal performance and give exemplary punishments to the real culprits. The inquiry findings should also be made public. Pakistan is blessed with immense amount of talent but the dire need of the hour is to prefer merit to personal liking and disliking while selecting the national team.