Mohsin condemns Pakistan T20 selection

NIDA DAR

KARACHI: Former chief selector and coach Mohsin Khan believes that Pakistan squads for the three T20
matches against Australia and World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka have been selected incorrectly.

Pakistan was the first of the 12 teams for the September event to name their final 15-man
squad, with wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal, all-rounder Abdul Razzaq and opening batsman
Imran Nazir recalled.

Meanwhile, medium-fast bowler Junaid Khan, spinner Abdur Rehman and batsman Ahmed Shahzad
have been excluded.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shocked critics and fans by naming both the squads on
Tuesday despite the fact that 40 days are still left before the Australia series commences
on August 28 in the UAE.

"The selectors made a hasty selection for the major event," Mohsin said.

"The team was announced just to facilitate coach Dav Whatmore, who had to leave for
holidays. This shows the selection was a one-man show,” he added.

Mohsin expressed particular disapproval at the omission of Junaid Khan, whose fine form in
the recent Test series against Sri Lanka brought him 14 wickets in three matches.

"It's very sad to see Junaid's snub as he was the only fast bowler who did well in Sri
Lanka. He could have been a good addition as we are struggling in the fast-bowling
department," added Mohsin.

"Raza Hasan has just played one ODI and his selection over the experienced Rehman is
shocking,” he said.

“The decision to overlook Ahmed Shehzad over Imran Nazir is also not understandable," added
Khan.

He praised the selection of Kamran Akmal who has not played international cricket since last
year’s World Cup and was recently cleared by the PCB Integrity Committee for his alleged
involvement in spot-fixing scandal.

"Kamran was the best choice after getting clearance from the integrity committee. Hopefully,
he has improved his wicket keeping," Khan said.

“Although I am disappointed with some of the selections and some omissions, my sincere
wishes are with the Pakistan team to win all the matches ahead,” he added.