Dropping Shoaib Akhtar a mistake: Waqar by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar
Event:	ICC World Twenty20 2009

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DateLine: 2nd June 2009

 

Former Pakistan speedster Waqar Younis said that Shoaib Akhtar should not have been dropped from the squad for the ICC World T20.

 

He feels that the Rawalpindi Express would have bowled well despite the skin infection that prompted his ouster from the squad.

 

Shoaib was dropped from the squad after a medical panel of the board found that the fast bowler needed 10 to 12 days for recovery and treatment before they could carry out re-examination in early June.

 

He was replaced by pacer Rao Iftikhar Anjum in the squad on the insistence of coach Intikhab Alam, a decision that left even the selectors fuming.

 

"It is a sad episode and specially the way it was handled. I am unhappy because Shoaib could have been very useful for the team in the World Cup," Waqar said.

 

The former Pakistan skipper said that while there was no doubt that Shoaib was struggling with his fitness in the Tests but the fast bowler could have been a very important player in England.

 

"I can safely say he could have bowled four overs without problems and given his experience. His ouster is a big setback for the team in the tournament," he said.

 

Waqar refused to name any favorites for title. "Realistically speaking it is very difficult to make predictions about who will win the tournament because of the shorter nature of the game. I think in T20 cricket any team can upset anyone if it plays well on its day in T20 cricket," Waqar stated.

 

Waqar said India appeared a strong side as they have been playing very well but Pakistan don't have a match-winning player in the side.

 

"If Pakistan is to do well we have to put in a collective effort. Our bowling is strong and our spinners have been bowling well specially Shahid Afridi and Saeed Ajmal. If Younis Khan handles the bowling well that would be our strong point in the World Cup."

 

He said the batsmen would also have to play sensibly and collectively to post good totals.

 

Waqar also pointed out the pros and cons of the IPL staged just before the T20 WC.

 

"There is no doubt that it would have been tough on the player playing day in and out but financially it was very rewarding for them.

 

"The way I see it the players who took part in the IPL would have gained more because they would have become more adept at playing T20 cricket and in understanding its details and strategies to do well."