In exclusive remarks to PakPassion.net Yasir expressed his disappointment at his exclusion from the team bound for Sri Lanka but agreed that the selectors faced with a difficult choice had made correct decisions.

By Amir Husain (12th May, 2012)

 

To many observers of Pakistani cricket, the recently announced squads for the Sri Lanka tour have revealed a progressive aspect behind the thought process of the new team management.

From announcing three different teams for each format to the appointment of a new T20 captain – long overdue in some eyes – the selectors have shown that they are willing to look outside the proverbial box and take some brave decisions.

Whilst the list of chosen players contains some well known names, there are a few who are making a comeback after a substantial period of absence from the international scene. Amongst these are Mohammed Sami and Faisal Iqbal who have both featured in Pakistani teams of the past but had fallen out of favour with the selectors in recent times. Others, in a similar, predicament have not been so fortunate.

Yasir Hameed’s last appearance for the national Test team was in the summer of 2010 against England while in 2007 he last played an ODI against India. His reputation as a gifted stroke-maker dented by some injudicious shot selection in the past as well as some off field gaffs - notably an interview with the News of the World - Hameed has been overlooked for all International commitments.

His hopes for a recall to International duties was briefly rekindled by statements made by the newly appointed team management whereby all players would be considered for selection on the basis of recent performances - regardless of their past record. The selection committee duly delivered on their promise but Yasir Hameed’s name, to his consternation, did not figure in any squad.

In exclusive remarks to PakPassion.net Yasir expressed his disappointment at his exclusion from the team bound for Sri Lanka but agreed that the selectors faced with a difficult choice had made correct decisions.

“I had some good scores in the Pentangular Trophy and the T20 tournaments and was confident of making it to the squad for Sri Lanka but unfortunately, the selectors did not see this in the same light and made the decision that they felt was right”

Whereas the selection committees of the past and present have come under a lot of criticism for including or excluding some players, by and large the sentiment surrounding the teams for Sri Lankan tour has been a positive one. In Yasir’s view, the idea of splitting squads by format and bringing in specialists for each form as well as providing chances to talented youngsters is very encouraging.

“I am glad to see that the selectors have announced 3 very good squads. This is a great way to allow more people a chance to represent the country. On that note, I am also very pleased to see some of the really good youngsters such as Afaq Rahim and Haris Sohail amongst the selected team members, as well as the experienced Ayub Dogar. Haris Sohail, in particular is known to me and I hope he is given a chance and performs well for Pakistan”

With the recent disappointment of not being included in the Sri Lankan bound squads consigned to the past, the 34 year old Hameed shows no signs of giving up in regards to his future involvement with Pakistan. He believes that with a little divine help and his own hard work, he can capture the attention of the selectors and make a comeback for his country.

“Whatever I am is due to my country Pakistan and it will be my honour to serve the nation as long as I can in my capacity as a cricketer. I may have made mistakes but that’s all in the past. I continue to train and develop my skills and will be playing in the Karachi Champions League tournament which is organized by Rashid Latif. I have not given up hope of an international recall and pray to the Almighty that I continue to work hard and improve and get noticed by the selectors not in one but all formats of the game”