|
|
|
| April 14, 2007 | Saturday | Rabi-ul-Awwal 25, 1428 |
Let a youngster lead Pakistan, says Bari
KARACHI, April 13: Former chief selector Wasim Bari, selector Iqbal Qasim, vice-captain Younis Khan, leg-spinner Danish Kaneria and fast bowler Mohammad Sami appeared before the PCB’s Performance Evaluation Committee on Friday as the probe into the national team's debacle in the ongoing World Cup continued on the second day in a local hotel.
The PEC comprises chairman Ijaz Butt and two other members – former Test cricketers Saleem Altaf and Salahuddin Ahmad.
In the first session Bari, Younis and Kaneria recorded their views about the poor performance of Pakistan team in the World Cup and also gave suggestions for the improvement of domestic cricket structure in the country. The second session saw former selector Iqbal Qasim and Mohammad Sami appearing in front of the PEC to apprise the committee of the reasons of the World Cup defeat.
Bari blamed World Cup skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq for his arbitrary decisions on and off the field for Pakistan loss and said the burly Multan player often undermined the authority of the selectors during his tenure as captain.
According to informed sources, Bari faced a stiff grilling session from the members of PEC who quizzed him over his soft stance as head of the selection committee and also took him to task for his inability to be present at the cricket grounds for a first-hand look at budding players in domestic games.
“He (Bari) was asked whether he was able to do justice to his job as selector alongside his full-time PIA employment,” said one source. “Bari could not really convince the PEC with his reply when he said he would deputise someone or the other to ensure that the performances of players were followed at the grounds.”
Bari also called for a younger player to be named skipper and said the past miseries should be put aside to make efforts for a brighter future of the game in Pakistan.
Kaneria, lamenting the early ouster of his side in the mega event at the Caribbean, said the Pakistan batting did not click at all which led to the disaster.
Kaneria, however, did not mince any words when asked about selection matters in World Cup and said he really looked forward to playing against Ireland after being told on the eve of the game about his inclusion.
“But just ten minutes before the game, I was informed that I have been replaced by Mohammad Sami which was so disappointing,” a source quoted Kaneria as telling the PEC. “Even some of the Irish players looked surprised at my omission from the tie and in fact told me how relieved they were to know that I would not be playing.”
Earlier, on Thursday, ex-cricketers Sadiq Mohammad, Rashid Latif and Secretary Karachi City Cricket Association Prof Sirajul Islam Bukhari recorded their views upon the special invitation of the committee. The committee could not interview two former captains Mushtaq Mohammad and Zaheer Abbas because they were out of the country.
“We have been detailed well by the World Cup squad members on team's show in WC and they also put forward some good advises to improve the standards of cricket in the country,” Ijaz told reporters after the meeting.
Ijaz, said the Karachi-based probe has been concluded and PEC will carry out their next assessments in Lahore. He said the committee will finish their assignment in the next seven days and will submit their recommendation to the PCB.—Agencies
|
|
|
|
