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LAHORE Three former chief selectors have backed the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) decision to install Shahid Afridi as captain for the World Twenty20, saying the veteran all-rounder has the grit to inspire his boys while advising the flamboyant player to keep patience for averting infighting within the team.
Talking to Dawn, ex-chief selector Salahuddin Sallu said though making Afridi in-charge for the world championship was correct, but added that as team selection for the World Twenty20 didn't have the captain's input, it might bother him a bit.
“The captain may have some other players combination in his mind. And therefore, the PCB should take him into confidence on this matter,” Salahuddin, also a former Test player, said.
Criticising the appointment of Waqar Younis as head coach who is a fast bowler, Salahuddin further noted yet another Pakistan batting failure resulted in their loss to Pakistan 'A' side in a Twenty20 match in Lahore on Pakistan Day.
“Our batsmen need more attention from the coach, while bowlers have been doing relatively fine. Still, first, the PCB appointed Intikhab Alam as coach and now it's Waqar.” He said.
He also reckoned one more spinner should have been included in the West Indies-bound squad.
Meanwhile, Iqbal Qasim, another chief selector who resigned from the post after the team's debacle in Australia, said Afridi was the right choice for captaincy and hoped the team would fare well in the World Twenty20 starting in the West Indies on April 30.
He also advised Afridi to keep patience to avoid any untoward incident within the team.
“If you have patience there will be no fighting among the players and no ugly incident of ball-biting as well,” Iqbal expressed.“Win and loss are part and parcel in any sport but I want the team to embrace discipline. And for that Afridi has to lead from the front,” he stressed.
“Afridi is an experienced player and the right choice for captaincy. But he has to prove himself a responsible person to inspire his players,” he added.
“All the players should forget the memories of the past, and focus on future to lift Pakistan to world's top ranking,” Iqbal said, emphasising the team had to work hard in all departments to defend the Twenty20 title.
Abdul Qadir, another former chief selector whose committee picked the team that clinched World Twenty20 crown last year, also supported the decision of naming Afridi as captain.
“If we consider national interest then it is a good decision; and if we think on the lines of principles then there may be a debate. However, I'll not discuss any negative issue at this moment,” he said.
“Afridi is a good fielder, an all-round player for Twenty20 and an inspiring force as well,” the former Test leg-spinner said.
Qadir advised Afridi to adopt Imran Khan's stance as captain, saying “I remember Imran asking his players they would not be grilled for their night activities, but anyone on not giving 100 per cent in the field would be sent home.”
Qadir urged the team management not to hold any training camp before the World Twenty20, asserting more match practice could serve the purpose better.
“The way two matches were held on the Pakistan Day is the best way to prepare the team for the mega event.
“I will suggest the PCB to hold similar matches in different cities as Waqar will be in a better position to note the team's weak points,” he said.
Qadir said though Pakistan had good chances in the World Twenty20, an additional left-arm spinner in Abdul Rehman could make the bowling attack more formidable.
“The spin combination of Afridi, Saeed Ajmal and Abdul Rehman could prove to be deadly on West Indian pitches.”
