By Omar Khalid, IANS,
Karachi : Chief selector Abdul Qadir has told Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that skipper Younis Khan will be completely responsible for his team’s showing in next month’s World Twenty20 Championship in England.
Qadir, a former leg-spinner, is apparently unhappy with Younis’ interference in selection matters and has told PCB chairman Ijaz Butt that the captain has got the players he wanted in the Twenty20 squad and should be made accountable if his team failed to do well in the June 5-21 spectacle.
According to sources, Younis forcefully supported the idea of including unheralded youngster Shahzaib Hasan in the 15-man squad for the World Twenty20 Championship. Qadir and the other two selection committee members argued against his selection, saying that the Karachi-based batsman has no international experience.
However, Younis said that Hasan is a capable pinch-hitter and has the ability to tear
apart any opposition.
The selectors were not fully convinced as they believed that at a major event like the World Twenty20 Championships, Pakistan should avoid taking such a big gamble.
However, they were unable to overrule Younis and the 19-year-old Hasan was included in the squad. Similarly, the selectors believed that controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was not fully fit and doesn’t deserve a spot on the England-bound squad. However, Younis didn’t agree with them and told the selectors that Shoaib would have to bowl just four overs in a match and Pakistan will benefit from his experience.
Pakistan is eyeing the world Twenty20 title this year after losing to India in a thrilling final of the previous edition in 2007.