Changes to the Pakistan team after the Champions Trophy

[shaikhanasm]

Going forward, I think this is the team we need to field.

1. Fakhar Zaman
2. Azhar Ali
3. Babar Azam
4. Sarfaraz Ahmed (he will not consume many dots at this position, and there won't be as big a collapse)
5. Haris Sohail
6. ????
7. Hafeez/Fahim (depending on conditions- for spin friendly tracks play hafeez, otherwise fahim, in my honest opinion, both excel at being the hitter down the order)
8. Shadab Khan
9. Hasan Ali
10. Mo. Amir
11. Rumman Raees

Bench:
1. Junaid Khan
2. Imad Wasim
3. Hafeez/Fahim
4. Umar Amin (or any other middle order/top order batsman)

The only thing we need that Pakistan is missing in my opinion is a batsman who can play the number six position, he can bat sensibly, prevent collapse, and also be able to hit and slog in the middle. Someone like David Miller would be perfect for this role. Is there anyone in the domestic circuit that can fulfill this role?

Also, going forward, Pak need to start investing in youngsters and play them in A team or call them up for a game or two here and there, or when arranging tours with lesser teams. Players like Sahibzada Farhan, Sami Aslam, Khushdil Shah, Saad Ali, Saif Badar, Imran Butt, Umair Masood, Zeeshan Malik, and Hussain Talat need to be groomed correctly by PCB.

Lastly, we don't need Shoaib Malik as he is too old and losing form, and lets not bring back any TTFs such as Shehzad, Akmals, and those who are currently banned like Latif and Sharjeel.

 

[khurram39]

Wahab is injured and Shahzad will be dropped.

 

[LordEddardStark]

Pakistan won CT little because of individual brilliance but more due to team effort. So in my opinion not a single guy that can damage the balance of this team should make the squad. The last thing we need now is internal politics spoiling this harmony and balance. Therefore no Umer Akmal, No Ahmed Shehzad, no Salman Butt and no Wahab Riaz.

I do not know much about our domestic performers but on the basis of what I have seen I can formulate at least a 15 players squad.

---Openers---
1. Azhar Ali
2. Fakhar Zaman
3. Sahibzada Farhan

---Middle Order---
4. Babar Azam
5. Sarfaraz Ahned
6. Umer Amin
7. Haris Sohail
8. Hussain Talat

---Lower Order---
9. Shadab Khan
10. Aamir Yameen
11. Fahim Ashraf

---Bowlers---
12. Hassan Ali
13. Muhammad Aamir
14. Junaid Khan
15. Ruman Raees

I also think Sami Aslam can be a good prospect in ODIs. The shot selection and intent during this Pakistan Cup was even better than Umer Amin. I'm hoping he gets picked by some PSL franchise next year where we can see more of his talent.

I know Hafeez & Malik aren't going anywhere for now but I also believe they'll show their true colors again in SAF tour and may end up getting dropped for good then. Planning therefore should be excluding both of them.

Sharjeel I'm afraid is not coming back. The least scenario I can think is of a ban of 2 years so including him in any planning would be fruitless.

 

[CricMylifr]

I would never drop azhar Ali..

True fighter who will always put country and team ahead..

 

[nitrous]

End of the road for Ahmed Shehzad and Wahab Riaz

Seems like its a given, that Shahzad and Wahab can forget being in the Pakistani national colors anytime soon for ODIs and T20 atleast.

Shahzad and Wahab can still feature in tests, but I dont think they have any place in the ODI's and T20s anytime soon.

 

[hamaadqureshi819]

what has i wasim done to stay in team

 

[Suleiman]

Shehzad should be dropped forever. No improvement whatsoever.

Already had my heart broken by Kami, need to get rid of these could've beens.

Wab should stay though because speed > wickets any day of the week.

 

[Macho Mann]

i would get rid for seniors like azhar ali, malik, hafeez immediately

imad would replace rumman raees, and would bring some good prospect young spinner to be tested

would give harris sohail opportunity to prove his worth as he is a bencher

would use khurrum manzur as an opener

would bring fawad alam as well in the ODIs to replace malik/hafeez in the middle order

would bring spare fast bowlers to be benched and groomed when pakistan has opportunity lets say against windies, bangladesh

would promote hasan ali, rumman as opening bowler

stuff like that

 

[ads101]

I would field

1. Fakhar
2. Babar Azam
3. Haris Sohail
4. Sarfraz
5. Malik
6. Hafeez
7. Imad Wasim
8. Shadab
9. Amir
10. Hasan Ali
11. Junaid

with Raees in the squad, coming in for Imad when we want four pacers, or in for a fast bowler when we rest them. Haris and Babar's positions can be switched if we don't want to disturb Babar at three, but feel either has the ability to open and more suited top order, just Babar has more experience as an opener.

 

[Kianig89]

I would field

1. Fakhar
2. Babar Azam
3. Haris Sohail
4. Sarfraz
5. Malik
6. Hafeez
7. Imad Wasim
8. Shadab
9. Amir
10. Hasan Ali
11. Junaid

with Raees in the squad, coming in for Imad when we want four pacers, or in for a fast bowler when we rest them. Haris and Babar's positions can be switched if we don't want to disturb Babar at three, but feel either has the ability to open and more suited top order, just Babar has more experience as an opener.

Strange Azhar merits a place more than Malik or Hafeez

Team should be

Fakhar
Azhar
Babar
Harris
Sarfraz
Nawaz
Fahim
Shadab
Amir
Hassan
Junaid

Bench Rumman Talat Imad

 

[xbox]

My gut feeling says Asad Shafiq will be in picture soon for ODIs. He is close to Sarfaraz and thought process would be let him try under Sarfaraz and see if he can be of any use. This may actually work. He has not performed but he is a better batsman than Azhar in ODI.(Talent wise).

 

[the Great Khan]

Time to bring in Haris Sohail.

Should also be looking at removing Ahmed Shahzad as the backup opener.

i think he's definatley next in line. Mickey mentioned him on the bbc and then said they have ten or so other players they are keeping an eye on.

 

[ads101]

Strange Azhar merits a place more than Malik or Hafeez

Team should be

Fakhar
Azhar
Babar
Harris
Sarfraz
Nawaz
Fahim
Shadab
Amir
Hassan
Junaid

Bench Rumman Talat Imad

Disagree Azhar doesn't. He scored consistently but each time slower than the rest. In the same matches in the semi finals, Babar, Fakhar even Hafeez scored quicker without much trouble. I don't think it's particularly difficult to chase 220 or so on a flat pitch or score a fifty on a 300+ pitch at a SR of 80/70. Fakhar was far better than Azhar, even Babar had better numbers SR and average despite below par for him. Hafeez actually scored at a higher average and SR (around 90) than Azhar.

I like Azhar but he doesn't have the ability to score quick/accelerate which is needed in the modern game. Even Hafeez showed he could do that. And with Haris waiting in the wings who I feel is a top order bat/accumulator like Babar, Difficult to play both Haris and Azhar. I would prefer an aggressive batsman lower down rather than Hafeez or Malik but atm can't see anybody coming up yet. Nawaz isn't a good enough batsman for no.6 IMO nor really that great with the ball. Want a batting allrounder at 6, someone who could make it on bat alone, and preferably a bit of part time bowling (but if Haris and now Fahim can pitch in a few overs not as crucial).

As I said in another thread, I'd like to try out some young batsmen in T20s to work out who could do the job. Really both umar and Maqsood should have formed lower order by now, they certainly had the talent too, but have fell off sadly. Maybe they'll come back to form.

 

[Kianig89]

Disagree Azhar doesn't. He scored consistently but each time slower than the rest. In the same matches in the semi finals, Babar, Fakhar even Hafeez scored quicker without much trouble. I don't think it's particularly difficult to chase 220 or so on a flat pitch or score a fifty on a 300+ pitch at a SR of 80/70. Fakhar was far better than Azhar, even Babar had better numbers SR and average despite below par for him. Hafeez actually scored at a higher average and SR (around 90) than Azhar.

I like Azhar but he doesn't have the ability to score quick/accelerate which is needed in the modern game. Even Hafeez showed he could do that. And with Haris waiting in the wings who I feel is a top order bat/accumulator like Babar, Difficult to play both Haris and Azhar. I would prefer an aggressive batsman lower down rather than Hafeez or Malik but atm can't see anybody coming up yet. Nawaz isn't a good enough batsman for no.6 IMO nor really that great with the ball. Want a batting allrounder at 6, someone who could make it on bat alone, and preferably a bit of part time bowling (but if Haris and now Fahim can pitch in a few overs not as crucial).

As I said in another thread, I'd like to try out some young batsmen in T20s to work out who could do the job. Really both umar and Maqsood should have formed lower order by now, they certainly had the talent too, but have fell off sadly. Maybe they'll come back to form.

Yes valid points but still believe we need to get rid of Hafeez and Malik Asap not worth investing anymore heck I'd be tempted to bring Maqsood back if he is in rhythm or playing domestics

 

[ads101]

Yes valid points but still believe we need to get rid of Hafeez and Malik Asap not worth investing anymore heck I'd be tempted to bring Maqsood back if he is in rhythm or playing domestics

Maqsood isn't in form. Umar Akmal is unfit, we'll wait till he gets back fitness. And he has to be fit, we've brought him back unfit, enough is enough now, has to be completely fit which will probably take a few months if he works hard on it. Unfortunately they are the only two I really see who are capable of being aggressive lower order batsmen. See no one else at the moment. Which is why I'd probably try out some in T20s, try to identify some talent, but no one's really knocking the door down in domestic.

Agree we have to move on from them, but reluctant to move on until we find replacements I don't want to stick in guys who haven't even learnt to dominate domestic yet. These two aren't worth investing and we should move on as quickly as possible, but yeah don't mind them playing as a stop gap. And I'd probably only drop one at I time, that experience can be useful in chases, I would have dropped Hafeez over Malik before, now perhaps the reverse not sure, Malik looked in better form and more promising for the future but didn't do anything. Hafeez looked quality in the semi finals and finals, and offers more with the ball than Malik. Both had good WI series. Is a tough one. Hopefully though by 2019, we will have found replacements for them. But don't think it's much rush to replace them 2 years is long enough to find replacements and if they perform, they won't hurt the team. Azhar while younger and arguably more consistent in the runs facer stiffer competition for top order places in Babar, Fakhar, Haris, Sarfraz even as he could play top order if needed, Sharjeel if he comes back and there's a new guy knocking on the door in Shahziba. And Azhar certainly can't play down the order, just won't work.

 

[last_knight]

Ask Babar to develop his game plan for chases. Make him develop it.

 

[moghul]

Hafeez
Hafeez
Hafeez oh I missed another player....
Hafeez

I will add one more player--------Hafeez)

 

[iaakash]

1- Fakhar Zaman
2- Sahibzada / Sharjeel

3- Babar Azam
4- Harris Sohail
5- Umar Amin / Umar Akmal (Fitness, Discipline)

6- Sarfaraz
7- Faheem Ashraf / Imad Wasim / Aamir Yamin

8- Shadab
9- Amir
10- Hasan Ali
11- Junaid / Rumman Raees
------------------------------------------------------
We have to drop A. Shahzad, Wahab Riaz immediately and then Shoaib, Hafeez and Azhar one by one.

 

[mak36]

Pakistan won CT little because of individual brilliance but more due to team effort. So in my opinion not a single guy that can damage the balance of this team should make the squad. The last thing we need now is internal politics spoiling this harmony and balance. Therefore no Umer Akmal, No Ahmed Shehzad, no Salman Butt and no Wahab Riaz.

I do not know much about our domestic performers but on the basis of what I have seen I can formulate at least a 15 players squad.

---Openers---
1. Azhar Ali
2. Fakhar Zaman
3. Sahibzada Farhan

---Middle Order---
4. Babar Azam
5. Sarfaraz Ahned
6. Umer Amin
7. Haris Sohail
8. Hussain Talat

---Lower Order---
9. Shadab Khan
10. Aamir Yameen
11. Fahim Ashraf

---Bowlers---
12. Hassan Ali
13. Muhammad Aamir
14. Junaid Khan
15. Ruman Raees

I also think Sami Aslam can be a good prospect in ODIs. The shot selection and intent during this Pakistan Cup was even better than Umer Amin. I'm hoping he gets picked by some PSL franchise next year where we can see more of his talent.

I know Hafeez & Malik aren't going anywhere for now but I also believe they'll show their true colors again in SAF tour and may end up getting dropped for good then. Planning therefore should be excluding both of them.

Sharjeel I'm afraid is not coming back. The least scenario I can think is of a ban of 2 years so including him in any planning would be fruitless.

This looks pretty promising, with a few amendments. Would probably like one more (right arm) fast bowler in that squad in case of injury. Plus the middle order will need to be tested, as i'm not sure if it has the necessary fire-power. If it doesn't, we will need to find someone ASAP. Failing that, a fit Umar Akmal could do the job. Imad probably deserves 1/2 more series- if he fails drop him.

 

[Markhor]

Pakistan should avoid repeating the mistakes of 2009. After the high of winning the WT20, far from spurring us onto greater success we squandered all the momentum and the team became a mess by the end of the year.

Winning the CT does not mean the flaws in this team have magically disappeared. The batting was poor during the group stages, especially against Sri Lanka where we nearly fluffed a simple chase and only won thanks to the woeful Lankan fielding. We need to continue reducing our dot ball consumption.

So what are the team requirements ? We need another explosive opener to partner Fakhar Zaman. I'd draft in Sahibzada Farhan given Sharjeel's situation.

We need to thank Malik and Hafeez for their services and move on as they'll be close to the age of 40 by the 2019 World Cup. I'd replace them with Haris Sohail (if fit and in form) and Hussain Talat who can play at #6 in a finishing role.

We need to fix our lower-order which lacks hitters. Two candidates are Fahim Ashraf and Shadab Khan. We haven't seen much of Shadab's batting in internationals but from his A team and PSL experiences - he's shown potential with the bat.

I'd replace Imad Wasim too but he's the golden boy and will stay.

 

[rajulakhpati]

Pakistan should avoid repeating the mistakes of 2009. After the high of winning the WT20, far from spurring us onto greater success we squandered all the momentum and the team became a mess by the end of the year.

Winning the CT does not mean the flaws in this team have magically disappeared. The batting was poor during the group stages, especially against Sri Lanka where we nearly fluffed a simple chase and only won thanks to the woeful Lankan fielding. We need to continue reducing our dot ball consumption.

So what are the team requirements ? We need another explosive opener to partner Fakhar Zaman. I'd draft in Sahibzada Farhan given Sharjeel's situation.

We need to thank Malik and Hafeez for their services and move on as they'll be close to the age of 40 by the 2019 World Cup. I'd replace them with Haris Sohail (if fit and in form) and Hussain Talat who can play at #6 in a finishing role.

We need to fix our lower-order which lacks hitters. Two candidates are Fahim Ashraf and Shadab Khan. We haven't seen much of Shadab's batting in internationals but from his A team and PSL experiences - he's shown potential with the bat.

I'd replace Imad Wasim too but he's the golden boy and will stay.

Pretty much spot on. I don't understand why Malik and Hafeez didn't collectively retire after the CT final, nothing better then to go out on top. Selectors/coach/captain should basically tell them to retire gracefully or drop them from the squad entirely. We cannot take the next step and prepare a team for 2019 with them still playing, especially after getting a look at the youngsters coming out.

As far as Azhar goes, I think he stays, but he needs to continue to improve his ODI game. One thing I know is that he is a hard worker so hopefully he does exactly that and takes a step forward in learning how to bat with more purpose and fielding in the next few series. Give him an extended run and see what happens.