Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur hinted on Thursday the days of specialists in the national team are numbered and that from hereon priority will be given to those who can do it all.
The recently announced squad for the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies had several notable absentees, among whom Mohammad Hafeez was perhaps the most glaring one.
When asked why Hafeez — who is barred from bowling due by the ICC to his illegal bowling action — wasn't named in the side as a batsman, Arthur said: "Hafeez can be a good option if he is bowling [as well], but if he is not bowling then it will be problem for the team."
The coach said that now that team's talent pool has been replenished, the selectors will prioritise players who are competent in all disciplines rather than just one.
Arthur gave a similar justification for leaving out Kamran Akmal despite the Peshawar Zalmi batsman's tremendous batting form in Pakistan Super League 2018.
"Kamran Akmal is a good batsman, and he scored a lot of runs in PSL3, but the problem with him is that he can’t field well," said the South African trainer, adding that the Zalmi batter cannot be selected for his batting ability alone when it has been established that he cannot be deployed in the outfield.
Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Sami were two more PSL standouts who didn't make the national team cut. Arthur said the selectors drafted a youthful side for the Windies series, which is why the fast bowling duo, both in their 30s, were left out.
