Dissappointing squad for first 2 ODIs

Akays England Tour Diaries

The first game is starting on Saturday, December 10, 2005. The final XI should be very closely similar to the one played in the last ODI series. However, the squad overall is quite dissappointing when you consider the names being left out. Bazid Khan, Hasan Raza and Umar Gul all find themselves from the outside looking in. On the other hand, Mohammad Sami (the oustanding failure), Arshad Khan (the eternal drinks carrier) Yasir Hameed (the bygone) are very much in the mix of things. The recent form and performance of the three do not need further mention. It is imperative for Pakistan to ensure that they get a chance while they are at the peaks of their relative careers.

Pakistan's official squad: Inzamam-ul-Haq (capt), Salman Butt, Shoaib Malik, Yasir Hameed, Mohammad Yousuf, Younis Khan, Abdul Razzaq, Kamran Akmal (wk), Yasir Arafat, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Sami, Danish Kaneria, Mohammad Asif, Arshad Khan.

Adeel's ideal squad: Inzamam-ul-Haq (capt), Salman Butt, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Yousuf, Younis Khan, Hasan Raza, Bazid Khan, Abdul Razzaq, Kamran Akmal (wk), Yasir Arafat, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, Shoaib Akhtar, Danish Kaneria, Mohammad Asif, Umar Gul.

© Adeel Khan.