Pakistan’s chief selector Mohsin Khan has reacted strongly to former captain Wasim Akram’s criticism on the selection of the national squad for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe. Mohsin said he was upset with Akram’s comments that the selectors needed to show consistency in selecting younger players and that they should not have dropped pace bowlers — Umar Gul, Tanvir Ahmed and Wahab Riaz — for the Zimbabwe tour.
“I am upset because Wasim does not spend much time in Pakistan and is not aware of what the national selectors are thinking or of their line of plan and action,” said Mohsin. He also suggested to the former fast bowler to mind his own business and not to make half-baked statements on the matters like national team selection. “I think he has no business to give such irresponsible statements without knowing the facts about national selection. I would suggest him to spare some time and talk to us and learn about our policies and our future planning before making such damaging statements,” the former Test opener said.
Stating that Akram was only busy with his commitments abroad as a broadcaster and expert, Mohsin said, “It is extremely unfair that he comes back to the country after three or four months and without knowing the facts, gives statements about the team, the players and the policy, which can be very damaging. A player of his stature should realise that such statements can spoil the team spirit and create misunderstanding between the players and the management.” “We know what we are doing and we know how to plan for the future. There is no doubt Wasim is one of the finest players Pakistan has produced but that should only make him more careful while giving statements,” he added. The former cricketer also made it clear that as far as consistency in selection is concerned, the selection committee knows what it wants to do. Mohsin, who played 48 Tests and 75 ODIs, urged Akram to serve the country in whatever capacity possible, instead of just making statements.
“If he is so concerned about Pakistan cricket then he should be serving here rather than other countries in different capacities. I know he has been approached by the PCB in the past to come and serve the team but he could not spare time for the national cause,” said Mohsin. “I think Wasim does not understand that we have adopted a certain policy to form a solid combination of senior and younger players for the future and this tour of Zimbabwe is the best opportunity for us to try out this combination,” he added.
Mohsin said the senior bowlers had been rested because Pakistan have a hectic international schedule ahead of them against strong teams in the next six to eight months. “We felt that the Zimbabwe tour was the best time to give them some rest and also try out the youngsters as they can form a good back-up for the national team.” “In order to build a nice, balanced combination with a back up for the future, we are trying to utilise this tour of Zimbabwe because after this tour there are two very tough series ahead,” he said.
Mind your own business, Mohsin tells Wasim
