At the moment, Yasir is a better batsman than Salman. While Salman has the aggressive instincts and the right attitude as an opener, he will take a year or two of international experience to become a really polished player. Yasir Hameed is already halfway there. Also, do not forgert Taufeeq Umar. A year ago, he was the best batsman to come out in a long time, now he's dropped like a hot potato. Remember, he was coming to the Indian series after a long layoff. I think he should be given a couple more chances before a decision to discard him is made.
my test team,
Salman
Yasir
Younis
Inzamam (Shaoib Malik in first test)
Youhana
Asim
Razzaq
Akmal
Shaob
Sami/Shabbir
Kaneria
I left Afridi because we should only have 1 all rounder in tests and razzaq will be better in carribeab pitches where it suits better to have an extra pacer..
ODI Team
Salman
Afridi
Shoaib
Inzi
YY
Younis
Razzaq
Akmal
Rana
Sami
Shoaib
ISLAMABAD: Controversial pacer Shoaib Akhtar is unlikely to accompany the national team during their tour to West Indies next month as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shahryar Muhammad Khan is not in favour of disturbing the winning combination.
“Though the final decision will be taken by the selection committee in this regard but I think we should not make any change in the team that won laurels in India,” Shahryar replied to a question about Shoaib’s inclusion in the squad for the forthcoming tour. Pakistan are due to leave for the West Indies early next month for three one-day internationals and two Test matches.
I don't think Shereyar's statement is showing any maturity. Come on man, its the game. Sit down with the moron and give him the decipline sheet and then let him decide whether he wants a VVIP treatment or wants to play in the team like other 10 human beings are playing.
They must not just drop him like that. Give him a fair chance, for the last time to put his act together. Send Salim Altaf to WI too, so he can keep a sword on his neck all the time. He is a spoiled child, all he needs is right treatment. He must have learned a good lesson from India's series. However if he has not, and if he still thinks he is the team and rest are just bharti ke khilaari, then he should be kicked out forever or send him to England so he can earn his bread and butter with country cricket for rest of his career.
Remember Taufeeq in last year’s series against India? He was not coming from a long lay off then but after scoring heavily in previuos series and he was inexplicably nervous and subsequently crumbled. His constant failure against Balaji was noticable and again in this series, he was picked up by Balaji four times on almost similar deliveries. He WAS a great find, did really well initially but couldnt capitalize on a great start to his career. Its about time Salman and Yasir are given a long run.
But I also expect Faisal Athar to make the WI-bound squad.
As the news about “not disturbing the winning combo” has come out, I’m kinda sad that Shabbir may not go with squad … or may be instead of Shahid Nazir
But this time it’s different. Never before must Shoaib Akhtar have felt that he has to EARN his place in the squad. Uptil now he has felt that he’s the lone superstar and Pakistan can’t do without him. The team’s performance in India must’ve humbled him (I’d think), so I say give him another chance. But then again, if he’s included in the squad then he might think that he was right all along and he’s indispensable and will get away with anything. If there’s any smidgen of attitude remaining in him, then that will go away after being dropped from the WI series. On the other hand, if he’s dropped from WI, and the team fails to do well there, then he’ll surely be back to his normal self, being the superstar and all.
Yes, the Actor needs to be put out of action long enough for him to come to senses....One series is not enough...At least 2-3 should be the minimum...The ideal scenario would be to pick him no earlier then 2006 and that too if he is fit and firing on all cylinders...
well no argument here when you bring in Faisal Ather, one of the most deserving player knocking on the selectors door.
As for Taufeeq, Yes he was balajis bunny but then again it happens to every player. and we all know he is class just need some faith, nah if given chance id say he “IS” rather than “WAS”
P.S: maybe I am wrong but still worth it, till he is given one more chance.
man with this much talent in pakistan’s side sometimes i wish their were 13-15 players in each team on the field . just like i wish for 2 stomachs when i see good food… sighs
Afridi is not a permanent solution to your opening pair, he is very handy at the lower order, regardless he made the 2nd fastest 100 recently. I think younis khan / Kamran akmal has to come up and take the challenge.
Bhai do you think Taufeeq deserves chance in presence of two more successful (Salman and Yasir) one upcoming opener (Faisal Athar)? You know being a bunny is alright, happens to every one but you are not expected to get out in simlar style to same bowler some 10 times in consecutive games. That is just pathetic.
Yasir Ali played in a 3RD Test Match b/w Pakistan & Bangaldesh at Multan not in 1 ODI)…
where he was at non-stiker end when Inzamam hit the winning shot…
Yes chances are minimal, as Faisal Ather is going with Pakistan A on the tour of Zimbabwe and Namibia which is from Mid - April to May, and I guess the chances are pretty less for him (i hope he makes it).
Well the way you (Tauffeeq) are getting out, I think Yasir also gets out in pretty much the same way (outside off stump snick) anyways we will get to know about the team soon enough and we all know there wont be any space for either in ODIs, they can squeeze in the test matches.
… or may be instead of Shahid Nazir 
Do you think they’ll accept him?
:k: