Out of favour Pakistan wicket-keeper batsman, Karman Akmal is of the opinion that the Pakistan World Cup squad was picked on the whims and fancies of the Pakistan selector according to the players they like and dislike. He further made the claim that this trend has been followed for the past five to six years and it has been the reason why Pakistan has failed in crunch moments apart from winning the Champions Trophy in England and Wales from 30th May.
“If the team is selected on liking and disliking, then it will be a loss for the team, and that is what [has been] happening for the past five, six years,” he was quoted as saying by the Business Recorder. As Pakistan won the Champions Trophy in England and Wales a couple of years ago, many people fee; that the Men in Green have a realistic chance in the tournament.
However, Kamran Akmal questioned that what has Pakistan won in the last few years apart from winning the Champions Trophy. “Apart from winning the ICC Champions Trophy, what has Pakistan won?” he said.
Kamran Akmal added that if the Pakistan selectors are picking teams on the basis of performances in the Pakistan Super League, then they shouldn’t be organizing any other domestic tournaments. It has been the trend in Pakistan cricket for many years.
“If they want to select [the] team from T20s, the PCB should shut down domestic cricket. Players are playing [at the] World Cup on the basis of one or two good spells in T20 [cricket],” he added.
Pakistan is slated to start their World Cup campaign against the Windies on 31st May in Nottingham. In the lead up to the 2019 World Cup, Pakistan have lost 3 ODI’s against England despite scoring totals in excess of 340 on all 3 occasions. After below-par performances from their bowlers, experienced campaigner Mohammad Amir has been called back despite not being part of the preliminary World Cup squad.