Pakistan is heading into the 20-20 World Cup with a weak middle order. The constant batting failure of the ‘Men in Green’ was the reason behind them losing the Asia Cup final and the recent series against England at home. Many cricket experts are of the opinion that experienced players like Mohammed Hafeez or Shoaib Malik should be added to the squad to strengthen the batting. However, both were not considered for the 20-20 World Cup.
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja has broken his silence on the criticism selectors have faced for picking a weaker middle-order line-up. Speaking to Geo News, Ramiz explained that Pakistan had experimented last year by adding experience to the middle order and he has no problem doing the same again. But he also admitted that they have limited options this time around which has been the primary reason behind PCB working extensively on junior-level cricket to increase their talent pool.
“Humlogo ne pichle T20 me kiya tha, mujhe koi problem nehin hain. Mere jo philosophy hain na cricket ki aur achhi team ki woh yeh hain ki ek consistency chaiye selection main. Dusra, aapko captain ko strong karna chaiye. Humrahe bench main koi Lionel Messi nehi baitha huya hain, aur humne ekdam hi raddi players ko rakha hain,” Raja said.
“Humare options limited hain. And isiliye option ko barane kiliye and talent pool ko increase karne kiliye junior level ke upar bohot kaam kar rahein hain. May be iss wqat hit and miss hain…but mera philosophy wohi hain ki captain ko strong karna chaiye. Unko aap options de ki kin players ko khilana chaiye,” he added.
Malik was part of Pakistan’s 20-20 World Cup last year and played a couple of crucial knocks in the team’s unbeaten run to the semi-final. He was also part of the Bangladesh series that followed in November but was never considered since then. With the middle order showing signs of weakness, many called for the return of Malik to the line-up, but the veteran was not considered yet again.
Meanwhile, Pakistan are presently in Christchurch for a tri-series against New Zealand and Bangladesh and will depart for Australia next week.
