Inzamam lays down conditions for Afridi’s inclusion, hints at Hafeez comeback

Chief selector and former Test captain Inzamam-ul-Haq stopped by Geo Pakistan’s studios today where he answered some burning questions on Pakistan’s recent performance against New Zealand, first-class season and talent development, Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Hafeez’s selection dilemma and much more.

Batting collapse in Christchurch Test

On Pakistan team’s batting woes against New Zealand’s pace attack, Inzamam said the team was unprepared to play on the fast, green pitch. He said there is a need to have more regular tours to places like Australia and New Zealand where our batsmen can get used to conditions different from the UAE’s slow, dry pitches.

The chief selector offered his condolences on the demise of Misbah-ul-Haq’s father-in-law and confirmed Azhar Ali would lead the team into the second Test at Hamilton.

Concerns over Amir, Asad Shafiq

Inzamam admitted Mohammad Amir’s bowling was not up to the mark recently. He expressed similar concerns over batsman Asad Shafiq.

“These are all talented players but a good performance is overdue; hopefully they will regain their form in the next match,” he said, adding that the players need to feel confident in their abilities.

‘Afridi’s return depends on performance, team’s requirement’

Asked about Afridi’s chances of representing Pakistan again, the chief selector stressed that the all-rounder will only be considered if he performs in domestic cricket and if the team requires his services.

“Performance alone is not enough. We will only consider including him if we need him,” Inzamam said.

“The same applies to Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad. They were kept out for disciplinary reasons and would need to earn their place back into the team.”

‘Hafeez’s experience is valuable’

Inzamam said the team is waiting to see results of Mohammad Hafeez’s bowling test. He added that the veteran player brings valuable experience with him into the team which would help the team's faltering batting.

Focus on first-class cricket

Inzamam said that at the end of the domestic season in Pakistan, the selectors will round up the top 14 or 15 performers and call them to the team’s camp, where they will be coached and trained to prepare them for ultimate selection.

The former captain criticised some players for choosing BPL over first-class cricket.

“We don’t care how they perform in BPL, we want them to perform in domestic tournaments. That’s the selection criteria.”

Inzamam added that the PCB is also focusing on discovering talent from rural areas of Sindh, Balochistan and FATA by holding trials in far-flung areas of the country.

On a lighter note, when asked about his all-time favourite cricketers Inzamam said he was a big fan of Sir Vivian Richards.

“Among bowlers obviously Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis,” he laughed. “The pacer duo were the hardest to face, which made it easier for us to face other quicks from around the world.”