Pakistan cricket's chief selector expresses concern over lack of quality spinners

• Muhammad Wasim has expresses his concerns over lack of quality spinners in country.
• "There is a need to improve things in ODI and Test formats," he says.
• Selection committee observes performance of youngsters before deciding about future of seniors.

KARACHI: Pakistan’s chief selector Muhammad Wasim has expressed his concerns over the lack of quality spinners in the country but added that work is being done to fill the void.

The 44-year-old former Test Cricketer told Geo News in an exclusive interview that the performance of the T20 team is remarkable, however, there is a need to improve things in ODI and Test formats.

“Pakistan team has played well through the year, especially in T20s, in the shortest format, our team looks very settled. In other formats – Test and ODIS – we need some improvement and hopefully, by end of this season, we’ll [see some improvement] in these areas,” he said.

“Although our recent performances in Test and ODIs are good but overall ranking reflects that we need to do some working to bring improvement in these two formats,” Wasim added.

When asked which other areas he thinks need improvement despite a satisfactory 2021, the former batter mentioned the spin department.

“We are good in fast bowling and batting, with good performers and ample backups. One area that needs improvement is the spin department, we are lacking there, I believe that we don’t have enough quality spin options as we used to but we are working in this area, we have our eyes on performers in the domestic tournament,” Wasim said. 

He hoped that Pakistan will continue with the same momentum next year but added that “we need to be realistic” because the team has to play T20 World Cup in Australia and the selection committee will approach the mega event according to conditions and requirements.

“We need to keep the conditions and requirements in our mind and decide what’s the best possible option for us going into the World Cup down-under. It is not necessary that the same group of players who have been performing in friendly conditions would be able to perform there as well, so we will have to keep things in mind. Ideally, the same squad should go but if we feel the need for any changes then we’ll surely bring them in the squad,” he added. 

“A lot of cricket is to be played before the world cup in Australia, so we will assess the situation but I can’t guarantee who will be there and who will not be,” the chief selector said.

Replying to a question, Wasim said that the selection committee is observing the performance of youngsters before deciding about the future of seniors like Shoaib Malik or Hafeez.