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LAHORE: After taking his team to the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2011, Pakistan coach Waqar Younis has urged selectors to include younger players in the national side.
The Pakistan coach told reporters, on Monday, that some changes need to be made for the team’s tour of West Indies scheduled for the end of this month.
“This is the right time to make some changes in the team for the forthcoming tour, but we need to keep the balance for a successful series,” Waqar said.
Referring to the mass exodus of big names following an unsuccessful campaign in the 2003 World Cup, the then team captain underlined the need for a blend of youth and experience.
“If young players are given a chance to tour the West Indies, it will help us gauge their abilities and talent, and will help in building a team for the future.”
Pakistan’s wicketkeeper, Kamran Akmal, came under heavy criticism following his performance against New Zealand, where he dropped one catch and missed another, giving two lives to Ross Taylor. Taylor then went on to punish Pakistan with a blistering century and the 1992 champions lost the match.
While there were suggestions that Kamran’s younger brother Umar Akmal may be used behind the stumps for the remaining matches, Kamran retained his place during the remainder of the tournament.
Waqar, when asked about the elder Akmal, said the team needs a younger ‘keeper, “who can be smart enough to justify his standing behinds the stumps.”
The coach may not have opposed Kamran’s place in the squad, but sources close to the team management told Dawn.com that Kamran will be shown the door when the national selectors announce the squad for West Indies.
