Imran Khan commented freely on Pakistan’s chance of doing better in the upcoming Cricket World Cup. In his opinion Pakistan’s chance depends mostly on the availability of Mohammad Aamir and Mohammad Asif. They are presently the best opening bowling pair and have the ability to make any result . Afridi is the right man to lead Pakistan in the world cup and if he can inspire the team to the triumph. Though Shoaib Akhtar is on the fag end of his career, still he can bowl his first spell like his early days. He will definitely try his best to make a high performance in ending world cup. Umar Gul is famous for his death bowling and in picking wickets especially with new ball; death bowling is a better weapon. In question of spin, Pakistan is well armed with Afridi, Rehman and Ajmal backed up by Hafeez or Shoaib Malik. There is a little bit competition between Ajmal and Rehman in the final playing eleven. Rehman is economical in the middle overs whereas Ajmal is very dependable at the death and in power plays for his doosra.
Imran says Pakistan should go with experienced players and don’t experiment too much and its very important for Pakistan. Shoaib Malik and Kamran Akmal are very efficient in limited over cricket but they have been missing in recent times. Mohammad Yousuf is another player perhaps to play his last world cup. He is perfect in grace and timing.Imran Khan believes if Pakistan wants a better position in the game, must depend on experienced, tried and tested hands. In recent times Razzaq has been playing greatly for Pakistan with his outstanding hitting in the closing overs. He can be very fruitful for the team .Hafeez has also improved much in recent times and doing the needful for the team both in bat and ball.
He also says it is imperative for Pakistan to get Aamir, Asif and Salman Butt cleared from match fixing riddle and make them play in the world cup.
Imran is optimistic though not over optimistic, about Pakistan.He believes Pakistan has the necessary talents and they only need the execution of it and doing every one’s best. He named a team which he believes are capable of winning the cup.
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
Source: Sports Encounter