Imran Khan is one man whose views on cricket fans all across the globe are regarded very highly. He was recently asked about Pakistan’s chances in the upcoming world cup. He said Pakistan’s chances would depend heavily on whether Mohammad Aamir and Mohammad Asif are available for World Cup or not.
According to Imran, Aamir and Asif make the best opening bowling pair of the world and Aamir is streets ahead of Wasim Akram. Imran called Asif as the bowler of the generation very early in his career when he emerged on the scene by demolishing India’s much-hyped batting lineup boasting of names like Tendulkar, Dravid, Sehwag and Laxman in Karachi Test in 2006.
Imran said Afridi is the right man to lead Pakistan team in the World Cup and if he hits a purple patch he can lead the team to triumph in the World Cup. On the other end, Shoaib Akhtar, man famously known as ‘Rawalpindi Express’ is on the fag end of his career but still manages to bowl around 150 kilometers per hour.
His first spell these days is as good as it used to be when he was in his peak years but he struggles in his second and third spells and people find it easier to hit him with the old ball these days. He will definitely be looking to end his career on a high note and have a last laugh in the World Cup but if the two As are available I think he will struggle to find a place as will Umar Gul who is renowned for his death bowling because picking wickets with the new ball is far more crucial than death bowling as you are looking to minimize the damage at the death whereas you look to attack with the new ball and put the opposition on the back foot early on in the game. As far as spin options are concerned, Pakistan is well served with Afridi, Rehman and Ajmal backed up by Hafeez or Shoaib Malik whoever plays in the final lineup.
There is a competition for a slot between Ajmal and Rehman in the final playing eleven. Rehman is economical in the middle overs whereas with Ajmal you have the luxury of using him at the death and in power plays for his doosra. For Pakistan it is important that they go with experienced players and don’t experiment too much something that Shahid Afridi asked for in his recent interview. Players like Shoaib Malik and Kamran Akmal who are the top guns in limited overs cricket have been missing in recent times which baffle logic.
Fawad Alam, who is not a natural batsman when it comes to limited overs cricket yet he somehow produces results, I don’t really think he should be part of limited overs squad. In my view, he is a quality test player and should be given a run in test matches. After all, he got 168 against Sri Lanka in conditions in which everyone else failed and has an habit of staying long at crease in any format of the game and scoring runs consistently.
I talked about Shoaib Akhtar being at the end of his career. Another player that we probably going to see for the last time is classy Mohammad Yousuf, who is all about grace, timing and perfection. I really think for Pakistan to have a good chance in the World Cup we must stick with experienced, tried and tested hands rather than going with rookies.
Younus Khan and Yousuf in the middle order followed by enterprising and entertaining Umar Akmal is the way to go. Razzaq has been the star for Pakistan in recent times and his hitting in the closing overs will be similar to what Klusener used to produce during 1999 WC.
Hafeez has been a much-improved performer in recent times and has made handy contributions with both bat and ball but he will face competition from Shoaib Malik for a place if Malik gets a clearance from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
For Pakistan’s sake, it is imperative that the trio accused of spot fixing including Aamir, Asif and Salman Butt is cleared. If they are cleared I see Pakistan able to stage a triumph. People might say I am over optimistic but I really have hope especially from Shahid Afridi’s ability to inspire others and the world’s most talented new ball pair in Aamir and Asif. We have all the talent in the world. It’s just about execution and having the right man available at a time!
I will name a squad and playing 11 here which I think would be best equipped to win the World Cup for the Men in Green. Salman Butt, Kamran Akmal, Younus Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi ©, Abdul Razzaq, Mohammad Aamir, Abdur Rehman, and Mohammad Asif. Reserves: Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Umar Gul, Asad Shafiq.
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