Pak daily slams PCB for selecting "weak team" despite having better options

Lahore, August 20(ANI): The responsibility of any poor showing by Pakistan during the Zimbabwe tour will rest on the shoulders of the Pakistan Cricket Board, especially on PCB chief Ijaz Butt, for selecting such a weak team despite having the option of selecting a much better side, a Pakistani newspaper has said.

The PCB has announced a relatively young and inexperienced side to face a high-flying Zimbabwe side, whose moral is sky high after winning the one-off Test against Bangladesh and taking unassailable lead in the ODI series, The Nation reported.

"If we closely look at the Pakistan squad, one thing is quite clear- the selectors, instead of going for merit, had went with their personal likings - the inclusion of Imran Farhat and Adnan Akmal is one such example," the paper said.

To the surprise of many, Adnan was given the nod by the selectors despite not a single notable performance, it pointed out, adding that same was the case with Farhat, whose "only plus point is that he is the son-in-law of one of the Pakistan selectors, M Ilyas, who somehow managed to induct Farhat in the side. Farhat has been given numerous chances by the Board and selectors, but he failed to come up to the expectations."

The paper further stated that bowling always remains Pakistan's lethal weapon, but the selectors have totally ignored all senior bowlers this time, except Saeed Ajmal, and named a relevantly weak bowling attack.

"Somebody has to tell the PCB bosses no one can take any side of the world so lightly, and especially when the side has the home advantage," it remarked.

The paper also said it was sure that with this team, Pakistan would find it much difficult to beat Zimbabwe, and that the morale of the side would further dampen if they lose this particular series.

"Soon after Zimbabwe, Pakistan will face a very tough opponent in the shape of Sri Lanka who are making life difficult for the Australians. What will Pakistan do with this bunch of players?" it questioned.

"Any beyond expectations result will not be acceptable to the millions of cricket lovers of the country and the responsibility of any poor showing will rest on the shoulders of the PCB, especially on Ijaz Butt for selecting such a weak side despite having the option of selecting much better side," the paper warned. (ANI)