With the ICC World Cup 2019 starting in two months, all teams are currently in their last leg of preparation. Meanwhile, Pakistan is now playing against Australia to fine-tune their combinations ahead of the mega event. But former Pakistan skipper Imran Khan has expressed concern over the preparation of the Pakistan team ahead of the World Cup. Besides, he also targeted the selectors and revealed his reservations over the selection procedure.
Pakistan have already conceded the series to Australia with two matches still to play. They have rested six senior cricketers which backfired against them in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A possible whitewash can break the confidence of the side which is not likely ahead of the World Cup. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan recently met with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ehsan Mani and other senior board officials.
Imran slams national selectors
In the meeting, the World Cup skipper advised Mani to ensure that the best team goes to the World Cup. Khan also called for a revamped selection procedure after the selectors rested six crucial players from the ongoing series. Besides resting captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Ali, Babar Azam, Hassan Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi, the selectors and team management also decided to send back allrounder Faheem Ashraf after the second match.
An official in the know of things revealed that Ehsan Mani had confirmed Imran Khan that they are putting in all effort to improve the selection procedure of the national side.
“Mani assured the Prime Minister that the board is making all efforts to ensure that the selection process for the national team gets better,” a PCB official said.
The official also added that Imran Khan has said to make necessary arrangements that all the matches in the next Pakistan Super League are held all over Pakistan and not just in Lahore and Karachi.
Pakistan still have a five-match ODI series against top-ranked ODI side England before they start their campaign in the World Cup. The Sarfaraz Ahmed-led team will begin their campaign against host England on June 3 at Trent Bridge. They will aim to use these games and make their last-minute adjustments before the commencement of the premier tournament.