KARACHI, Jan 10: Chairman of selectors Salahuddin Ahmed said on Thursday it would be foolhardy on Pakistan’s part if they take Zimbabwe lightly in the forthcoming one-day series against the troubled African nation.
Salahuddin said that even though Zimbabwe are no longer playing Test cricket after their status was suspended in 2005-06, they are capable of creating upset in the one-day arena.
“Definitely, Zimbabwe have the ability to beat any side in the world. In the World Twenty20 Championship they pulled off a stunning win over Australia. And then recently they defeated West Indies in a one-dayer,” chief selector told Dawn. “We are not going to take them for granted because that can put you in trouble.”
Talking of composition of the Pakistan squad for five-match series against the Zimbabweans, Salahuddin said the selectors would pick the best available players.
“But at the same time this series has given us the opportunity of trying out some of the emerging players. That is why we decided to have a two-day camp of high performers from the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy.
“We have selected 28 players who have been outstanding in the country’s premier national cricket championship, and will take a close look at them during the training camp this weekend,” he said.
He said Pakistan still lacked in a number of areas and are searching for players to fill the breach. “For instance we need to find another opener to partner Salman Butt who has now established himself. There are a few candidates among the new lot in that regard.
“Although the middle-order batting appears strong, there are players who are knocking at the doors of international cricket. Kamran Akmal is the first choice wicket-keeper, but others like Sarfraz Ahmed, Mohammad Salman and Zulfiqar Jan are challenging him.
“And there are promising pace bowlers who are in the line to replace if the experienced fast bowlers break down or lack in form.”
Salahuddin expressed the selection committee’s faith in both Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik and coach Geoff Lawson while saying the two of them are capable of delivering the goods.
“I think the two of them have done a reasonable job since working together and having two tough series [against South Africa and India] to begin with, they will shape up a good combination in the future,” he hoped.Salahuddin also clarify that the selectors’ work description isn’t the same when Pakistan play either at home or overseas.
“Our job is to pick the team and we do that after consulting both the captain and the coach. In home series, the selectors are responsible for not only picking the squad, but also the playing XI.
“But once we select the squad for away series, it is the jurisdiction of the captain, coach who together with the vice-captain and team manager to pick the playing XI. At no time we interfere in that respect,” he concluded.