Pakistan not fully ready for WC
Pakistan’s one-day captain Shahid Afridi said Friday he was not fully
satisfied with preparations for next year’s World Cup, acknowledging low
expectations of victory.
Afridi expressed reservations in the light of problems that have
dogged Pakistan’s recent tours with players disciplined and dragged into
damaging spot-fixing allegations.
“I am not 100 percent satisfied with the team’s preparations for the
World Cup,” Afridi told reporters at a local function.
“We’ve had problems on every tour, and although there aren’t high
expectations (of winning the World Cup), as captain I’m positive and
will keep on motivating the team,” said Afridi.
His comments came one day after manager Intikhab Alam said Pakistan
was capable of winning the World Cup — to be jointly hosted by
Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka from February 19 to April 2.
Key players Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammed Aamer — suspended
by the International Cricket Council (ICC) over spot-fixing charges
during the Lord’s Test against England in August — are unlikely to make
the team. The trio appear before an ICC commission next month and face
the prospect of severe punishment, including lengthy bans.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also failed to clear wicket-keeper
batsman Kamran Akmal and all-rounder Shoaib Malik for the upcoming tour
of New Zealand, reportedly because of suspicions of fixing.
“You should ask the PCB and selection committee about why Kamran and
Malik were not picked,” said Afridi.
“Both are good players and have been doing well in domestic matches.”
Pakistan has until December 19 to select a provisional 30-man World Cup
squad which should be trimmed down to 15 by January 19.
Afridi said Malik was dropped from previous tours to help him win
back form.
“I think he would have learnt from his mistakes,” said Afridi of
Malik, who was Pakistan’s captain from April 2007 to January 2009 but
has suffered some shortcomings in his game.
Both Malik and Kamran have expressed disappointment at not being
picked. Pakistan play three Twenty20, two Tests and six one-day on their
tour of New Zealand starting December 26 — their last assignment before
the World Cup.
Pakistan is placed in Group A of the 14-team competition along with
defending champions Australia, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Canada, New Zealand and
Zimbabwe.
India, South Africa, Bangladesh, England, the West Indies, Ireland
and the Netherlands are in Group B of the event, which runs from
February 19-April 2. KARACHI, Friday (AFP) |