The confusion surrounding http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shahid-c89347 Afridi’s India tour – Opinion
It has been weeks now since Shahid Afridi’s axe from the ODI squad for the tour of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 made headlines in the cricketing world; however, in Pakistan the issue is lingering without an end in sight.
The situation has taken an interesting turn, where statements from former and current players are clearly favouring Afridi’s inclusion in the squad, even the ODI skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Misbah-ul-Haq-c1972 is openly supporting Afridi.
Misbah’s statement regarding Afridi’s possible recall has further strengthened the all-rounder’s case:
“If his form remains like this and we need him, we will definitely consider him. The form of senior players, who are experienced enough, is very important. They are seniors, whenever you give performances like this it will be good for Pakistan.”
The million dollar question now is how the PCB’s selection committee can justify their decision of removing Afridi if he is recalled before the start of the three ODIs to be played against their biggest rivals.
Afridi’s blistering 90 off just 64 deliveries for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 Blues in a practice match against Pakistan Green has become a nightmare for the national selectors, as the all-rounder’s epic innings was instrumental in helping his side amass 309 runs, winning
the game by 13 runs in the end.
Such a blazing knock has left many wondering if the selectors were in their right minds to leave out a player of his calibre against India.
Afridi is one of the most experienced players in Pakistan to have played against India, who would be extremely useful for the Men in Green once they face the hosts in the 50-over series set to begin from the 30th of this month after the conclusion
of the two-match T20 tournament.
While Afridi was picked up for the T20s, he was discarded for the ODIs on the pretext of poor form.
There is no denying the fact that Afridi can be extremely lethal once he gets going even against the world’s best attacks, which means that if the PCB does not include him in the ODIs, they would be shooting their team in the foot.
Relying on ace spinner, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Saeed-Ajmal-c87859, could end up haunting them if the Indians find a way to counter him. Pakistan clearly do not have a plan B right now, which means if they get pinned down, there is every chance that they might not be able to comeback
in that particular match.
With Afridi in the side, Pakistan get an extra edge in fielding, bowling and batting, hence a player so useful cannot be discarded just like that.
While the selectors have their own point of view as they want to inject new blood in this Pakistani contingent, there is no substitute for experience. A young team will not be able to handle the pressure of facing India in their own backyard.
Perhaps that is the reason why the PCB has hired a sports psychologist to work with the players, however, it would not do any good once the boys land in India because when they are on the field, the lecture by the psychologist will go right out of the window,
leaving them nothing but experience against the Indians.
Meanwhile, the press is still waiting for a statement from Afridi, who in the past has been very vocal, however, this time the fiery batsman has chosen to stay mum on the issue.
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