Wasim Akram satisfied with selection (15 January 1999)

15 January 1999

Wasim Akram satisfied with selection

By Our Sports Reporter

KARACHI, Jan 14: Pakistan captain Wasim Akram expressed his satisfaction with the team that was announced by the selectors for the forthcoming tour of India.

"I think it is the best team available. I am very much satisfied with it," Akram said late Thursday evening.

The all-rounder, who is one of the three surviving members from the 1987 touring party, felt that this side was more talented on paper as compared to the one which Imran Khan took 12 years ago.

"I think it is more talented side. The players are eager to perform and they have been training really hard so that they can give their best in India.

"The 1987 tour team won because they were more united. They had the team spirit and each member was supporting the other. We will try to follow that strategy and surely the results would be productive," said Akram.

Akram said the selectors have thrown their weight behind the youngsters "and for that they have my full support. We have to prepare a team for the future and players like Wajahatullah, Mohammad Naveed Qureshi, Azhar Mahmood, Shahid Afridi have the potential to dominate the scene in years to come."

On the ouster of Aamir Sohail, Akram felt that the selectors thought that he hasn't attended the camp. "His inclusion would have certainly improved the outlook of the team but it was purely selectors decision."

On the non-inclusion of Rashid Latif, Akram said: "If Rashid Latif had been in the team, he would have only played in the second three-dayer. Besides, Moin Khan wanted to keep wickets more regularly and we have to support him because he is the vice-captain."

On the surprise inclusion of Shahid Afridi, Akram said the pinch-hitter has played just one Test. "I personally feel that he and Azhar Mahmood have the talent to transform into great all-rounders. I would try to groom them into good utility cricketers."

He said the team has been selected keeping in mind the conditions they were likely to face. "I believe that the Indians are going to prepare slow and turning track and for that we have a very sound spinning trio," the skipper said.

Source :: Dawn (https://dawn.com/)