In his remarks the media at Lahore, Chief Selector Iqbal Qasim spoke about the recently conducted fitness tests and stated that the selection committee will send a list of probables for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka to the PCB by the 12th of May.

 by Nimra Ishtiaq

(27th April 2012)

Speaking to the media at Lahore, Chief Selector Iqbal Qasim stated that the selection committee will send a list of probables to the PCB for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka by the 12th of May. He also informed that names of 30 Under-19 cricketers will also be submitted to the PCB by the 5th of May for the World Cup later this year. 

The Under-19 trials that are currently underway at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore have been divided into three phases, with each phase consisting of 26 players. The national selection committee will pick the 30 best players from these trials and forward the list to the Pakistan Cricket Board by May 5. 

"We will submit the names of 30 players to the PCB by the 5th of May for the Under-19 World Cup. In fact, we might submit them on 4th May. After that, I think training camps will be organised for them and the players will play matches and practise at the academy. The designated coach and manager will take over and supervise the entire programme. We have some matches in Australia prior to the World Cup. So we will announce the final 15 before that."

He further added "This is my favourite part. Whenever I've been a part of the selection committee, I have always attended these trials and picked a group of 20-25 youngsters every time. Mohammad Amir, Junaid Khan and others are a product of the efforts of our selection committee in those days."

Iqbal Qasim also clarified that the national selection committee was not responsible for the selection of the regional Under-19 teams, and hence cannot be held responsible for incorrect selections if any. He stated "The role of the national selection committee starts with the commencement of the PCB Under-19 tournament. We evaluate the performances of the Under-19 cricketers of all the regions in First Class cricket, three-day cricket and one day cricket."

He added "Although this exercise had already been carried before the tour of South Africa, we did it again to make sure no kid gets ignored."

On being asked if there were any differences between the selection committee and the coach Dav Whatmore over the possible selection of middle order batsman Mohammad Yousuf and discarded wicket keeper Kamran Akmal, Qasim categorically stated "There is absolutely nothing like that. There are absolutely no differences between us nor have we spoken over the selection issue. I am myself surprised to see such stories constantly appearing in the newspapers over the last few days. I spoke with Whatmore this morning and we also keep in touch over the phone."

37 year old batsman Mohammad Yousuf and out of favour wicket keeper Kamran Akmal recently created headlines in the media when they underwent a fitness test at Lahore. Numerous media reports suggested that they had been invited to give the fitness test by Coach Dav Whatmore who wished to recall them in the national team. Commenting on the subject, Qasim said "Dav Whatmore has just recently taken over as coach. So there are a lot of things he needs to maintain a record of, including the fitness level of the players, their batting and bowling etc. He is just collecting the data to keep a record for himself. The fitness test is a part of this process."

When asked if the national selection committee is considering to recall Mohammad Yousuf, Qasim stated "We consider and keep an eye on players who play domestic cricket. If Yousuf plays domestic cricket, we will consider him. He has not played for 18 months, so I cannot say anything about it. In future, if he is fit, plays and performs [in domestic cricket] and Pakistan needs him, then we will consider him."

Shedding further light on the recently conducted fitness tests, Qasim stated "Most of the players who gave the fitness test are part of the current Pakistan team. Most of them were part of Pakistan's Asia Cup squad. There were some borderline cases like Kamran Akmal and Mohammad Yousuf - those who have been star players for Pakistan in the past. We obviously cannot forbid anyone from coming and practising in the academy."

However, Iqbal Qasim did not completely rule out the possibility of recalling out of favour, experienced players. He stated "Players who are needed in the team and are fit, meet our criteria of selection and are part of the coach's strategy will definitely be considered. We will keep an open mind. Saying that 'player xyz is finished' or 'player xyz will not be considered' is not the right thing to do."

Speaking of Dav Whatmore's efforts so far, he stated "He's been recently appointed. So we have to facilitate him and let him understand our system and observe and assess our players. We have given a list of 12 or 14 fast bowlers to him so that he can assess them and see how many of them can be useful for Pakistan in future."

The Chief selector was hopeful of Pakistan's good showing on the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. "I'm hopeful that everyone will perform his role sincerely and God-willing, Pakistan will do well on the tour. This team has a lot of potential - it only needs guidance. I hope they will work very hard here before going for the tour."