Yousuf and Razzaq unlikely for Twenty20

[iZeeshan]

http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/****...ry/305177.html

Shoaib Akhtar to return if fit Yousuf and Razzaq unlikely for Twenty20 Cricinfo staff August 2, 2007 Mohammad Yousuf and Abdul Razzaq are likely to be two big-name casualties from Pakistan's 15-man squad for the Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa. Though Pakistan don't announce their squad until next week, when results of dope tests taken on all 30 probables arrive, Yousuf and Razzaq are set to be sacrificed as Pakistan takes a punt and tests its younger talent and bench strength. The uncertain position of Yousuf in particular, comes as a surprise, given his outstanding form only last year and a generally impressive record in ODIs. But his fielding, and an apparent desire to have more flexible batting options, might work against him. "Though it is not finalised yet, the chances of Yousuf being selected for the squad are very unlikely. Younis Khan is there as an orthodox batsman and he is a good fielder too. We want to have some fresher, younger options who give us flexibility," a well-placed board source told Cricinfo. Fawad Alam, the young Karachi all-rounder who has impressed during the practice matches, and Shahid Yousuf, the Sialkot middle-order batsman, are being touted as potential replacements. Both have enjoyed success during the domestic limited-overs season. Karachi batsmen Khurram Manzoor and Khalid Latif, the former U-19 captain, have also been keenly watched. [Mohammad] Yousuf left the ongoing training camp yesterday and returned to Lahore, officially to be with his mother who is ill, though whispers have it that he was understandably upset once aware of the situation. Inzamam-ul-Haq, the former captain, has already said that any decision to drop Yousuf will backfire on Pakistan. There is unlikely to be as much surprise if Razzaq is dropped. Though his often-devastating lower-order batting and handy medium-pace suggests he is ideal for Twenty20 matches, he has been a patchy international performer over the last two years. And ordinary performances in the training camp have not helped his cause. "He hasn't stood out during these games," said the official. "He has struggled to score runs and his bowling has been really lightweight even given that the pitches are really flat. Plus, he has never been outstanding in the field and the feeling is we need to have alert, fresher legs out in South Africa." Seven to eight places have already been decided, which still leaves almost half the squad to be picked but there is a nagging concern, among players, that Pakistan's hectic practice schedule is taking its toll. Shoaib Akhtar, perennially embroiled in one fitness worry or another, is certain to go if fit. The bowler missed practice again through a minor neck strain, but the injury is not considered a serious one. Umar Gul also limped off after bowling nine balls in Wednesday's session and missed Thursday's with a foot injury, though again the management have said it is not serious. This is the third training camp players have attended this summer. While the first, in Abbottabad, concentrated mainly on physical conditioning, subsequent ones have involved a series of practice Twenty20 matches. The squad was originally scheduled to play two matches a day in stifling Karachi heat, but on the insistence of the players decided on one game per day, with the occasional day of gym training thrown in. One bowler confided, however, that it was too much and that bowlers in particular were lacking motivation on flat pitches in demanding conditions.

Interesting news. Yousuf being dropped? He can hit, and I mean he could help stabilized. And as much as I hate Razzaq, I thought he would be picked for 20/20 at least, because he is, well more like 'was', a big hitter.

And Shoaib to return, obvious, IF FIT. So he's not fit, or they think he's gonna get injured again?

[Amir]

Finally! PCB see what Razzaq he is for....no more protection pop eye.

[SUPERSAMI]

Its a toss up between Yk/Moyo and Yk edges out due to fielding. I hope to never see Razzy play for Pak again.

[sehsan]

Originally Posted by SUPERSAMI Its a toss up between Yk/Moyo and Yk edges out due to fielding. I hope to never see Razzy play for Pak again.

dont say that, if he gets dropped i am sure he will come back strongly. If gangually can field better then before why can't razzi do. its time to drop him from onedays(50 over game) but i think he should be a part of 20-20

[Boi]

now thats pure stupidity dropping your best batsmen in the team isnt that stupid

[Lahoria]

I don't like the decision to drop Yousaf either he is by far the best batsman on the team and his fielding isn't any worse than Slaman Butt or Asif. As for Razzaq it is sad that he is so out of form that he can't even make the team in 20/20 format which is ideal for his skills. I think this is the begining of the end for him and he doesn't realize it in a recent Champions interview he was still complaining about not being used properly instead of realizing the decline in his performacne.

[hasbeen]

Originally Posted by sehsan dont say that, if he gets dropped i am sure he will come back strongly. If gangually can field better then before why can't razzi do. its time to drop him from onedays(50 over game) but i think he should be a part of 20-20

ganguli has a totally different personality to razzaq. ganguly is a fighter who never gave up when he was dropped. a determined character to say the least

[sagar]

PCB has gone insane dropping Yousuf is the biggest mistake they can ever make. He is by far your best batsman as compared to any other batsmen like YK. Give me a break. YK over Yousuf. Stupidity has completely taken over PCB officials minds.

[JiminiCricket]

No Yousuf, No Inzi.
Where has the PCB found the new middle order to replace these men so quickly.?

[Muhammad]

Originally Posted by JiminiCricket No Yousuf, No Inzi. Where has the PCB found the new middle order to replace these men so quickly.?

We have got so much talent and depth that you wouldn't believe, it's time we let the talented youngsters loose and let them dominate the world.

If we have to lose for a few years to build what will eventually be a winning outfit then we have to accept the short term losses in the best interests of producing long term gains.

The PCB are doing an excellent job and the least we can do is get behind the good doctor and his cronies and support their ground breaking ideas.

[The Chaudrey]

I know I may be going against the grain with this view, but I actually understand the need to overlook MoYo for this tournament.

Granted he is our best test and ODI batsmen, but we need to look after him in those formats and having 10-20 Twenty20 matches thrust on him on top of the burden he is likely to carry in Tests/ 50 over ODIs could be a baggage too much. This is also the ideal opportunity for us to try out some new blood. Having said that, relying on YK as the experienced bat is not the wisest move either.

What I am absolutely happy about is the fact that Razzaq will be dropped. His continued inclusion in the Pak team was really annoying as he has been one of our worst performers in the team and epitomised the general lethargy and decline in fielding standards flowing through the squad.

It's been a long time since we identified a group of young players and gave them an extended run in the team. A 20-20 WC could be the ideal opportunity for us to unlock some talent.

[infamous9383]

no problem with either decision. If yousuf misses out, the earth is not going to blow up. Look at India they don't have their big three playing. Razzaq deserves to miss out, he's just been horrandeous of late with both the bat and the ball.

[PlanetPakistan]

Originally Posted by SUPERSAMI Its a toss up between Yk/Moyo and Yk edges out due to fielding. I hope to never see Razzy play for Pak again.

Running between the wickets might have been an issue too. A Razzaq on the other hand needs a break from international cricket for about 6-8 months

[Easa]

For all those saying that Yousuf is being 'rested' and preserved for ODI/Tests's.. that is rubbish. He is our best batsman and he will be needed in the Twenty20's. The PCB are not 'resting' him, he is being dropped for poor fielding, which is really really disappointing news. Another major blunder from the PCB.

Razzaq - well what can I say, the perfect player for this format, but he just isn't the old Razzaq any more.

[Punisher]

well i just think tht the pcb's idea of givin a chance to new players is rightfully justified, i know moyo scored alot and is the best batsman in pak cricket team, but atleast he also needs rest for sometime, prolly pcb has him in their bigger plans for the 3 series against india, sa and australia. i mean if one big player has dropped theres always gonna be someone in the crowd raisin their hand to prove themselves to the world, that is exactly how greats like wasim akram were born, so all im sayin is give these new people some time, they'll turn out to be damn good.

[ammarz]

In defense of yousuf i have one inning that everyone should watch if possible, and that is vs Aus in the 99 WC during the prelim matches. He really clobbered them in that match even though it was a short inning. He can definately play 20/20 and should be part of the squad. a genuine world class batsman can adjust to any form of the game.
If its true that he will be dropped, complete stupidity on part of PCB.

[Sheikh]

Originally Posted by The Chaudrey I know I may be going against the grain with this view, but I actually understand the need to overlook MoYo for this tournament. Granted he is our best test and ODI batsmen, but we need to look after him in those formats and having 10-20 Twenty20 matches thrust on him on top of the burden he is likely to carry in Tests/ 50 over ODIs could be a baggage too much. This is also the ideal opportunity for us to try out some new blood. Having said that, relying on YK as the experienced bat is not the wisest move either. What I am absolutely happy about is the fact that Razzaq will be dropped. His continued inclusion in the Pak team was really annoying as he has been one of our worst performers in the team and epitomised the general lethargy and decline in fielding standards flowing through the squad. It's been a long time since we identified a group of young players and gave them an extended run in the team. A 20-20 WC could be the ideal opportunity for us to unlock some talent.

Well said. I completely agree. Both decisions, for whatever reasons given, will be a blessing in disguise.

[Mohsin]

The PCB must look at Moyo's lack of fielding skills in a positive point of view. I mean, OK he's not the lightest on his feet when it comes to fielding, but the amount of runs he'll give away, will be nothing to the amount of runs that he'll score!! Dropping Moyo will be pure stupidity from the PCB, and it’s almost like the PCB are doing this as a response to the BCCI, who aren’t playing their top players (even though they requested not to be picked). It’s almost a case of whatever you can do, we can do better!! But on the bright side at least it'll give the likes of Fawad Alam (one of the most prolific performers in domestic twenty20), and Shahid Yousuf a chance.
And what’s wrong with our bowlers? It’ll almost like their dropping like flies!! And we're depending on the bowlers to do the job, and win us the cup!

[syd_pak]

stupid board. Why would you drop the second best test batsmen in the world. Only in Pakistan, only in Pakistan. Prob started as a joke and some nut decided why not, let do something different. IDIOTS

[saj786]

finally pcb see some sence and get rid of this overrated muppet razzack

[iZeeshan]

After rethinking, I think it was a good idea to drop Yousuf. Overall, Yousuf can't really attack, and would most likely slow us down. Also, Yousuf isn't the best of fielders in the world. Another thing is that this way we get a chance to be exposed to some of the 'brilliant' talent that lies within Pakistan.

[SUPERSAMI]

Originally Posted by PlanetPakistan Running between the wickets might have been an issue too. A Razzaq on the other hand needs a break from international cricket for about 6-8 years

True, Moyo has ran out Afridi a few times when Afridi was on a roll.

[pak4life]

good decision. 20/20 is a young mans game. yousaf is too orthodox to throw bat at everything and slow in the field. save him for the tests

[salman24]

Thats the stupidest thing I have ever heard
Why does Pakistan always shoot themself in the foot
Damn!!!!!!!!
This is so dumb!!!!!!!!
I can't believe Razzaq out of all people hasn't been picked for the 20/20 WC. His hitting would be key for Pakistan.
MOYO would also be very good. He could stabilize the innings and is also a good hitter when need be
I just can't believe Razzaq will be left out
Razzaq,Afridi, Malik, and Nazir would be a deadly combination
This has left me dumbfounded to be honest
Words cannot express how angry and shocked I am
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is sad
Before the WC we suffered injuries to our 4 key players including razzaq who could been useful, now we freaking leave razzaq out who is one of our best hitters
This is like Symonds or Flintoff being left out.
Its proposterous, insane and.................!!!!!!!!!!!!

[iZeeshan]

Originally Posted by salman24 Thats the stupidest thing I have ever heard Why does Pakistan always shoot themself in the foot Damn!!!!!!!! This is so dumb!!!!!!!! I can't believe Razzaq out of all people hasn't been picked for the 20/20 WC. His hitting would be key for Pakistan. MOYO would also be very good. I just can't believe Razzaq will be left out Razzaq,Afridi, Malik, and Nazir would be a deadly combination This has left me dumbfounded to be honest Words cannot express how angry and shocked I am Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is sad Before the WC we suffered injuries to our 4 key players including razzaq who could been useful, now we freaking leave razzaq out who is one of our best hitters This is like Symonds or Flintoff being left out. Its proposterous, insane and.................!!!!!!!!!!!!

When was the last time Razzaq broke out? And I don't mean zits.

[salman24]

Originally Posted by iZeeshan When was the last time Razzaq broke out? And I don't mean zits.

Ha HA very funny
He has done it enough times
Even in these 20/20 matches I was reading once that he played well late in the innings. BTW when was the last time he really got a chance to bat and failed? England wasn't too far back and he didn't play in the WC. He has the ability to hit when needed . HE is rusty right . Remember he missed a lot of cricket just like shoaib and i'm sure he'd come good when the occasion comes
Its sad how people forget how many matches he has won and set up with his late order hitting

[iZeeshan]

Originally Posted by salman24 Ha HA very funny He has done it enough times Even in these 20/20 matches I was reading once that he played well late in the innings. BTW when was the last time he really got a chance to bat and failed? England wasn't too far back and he didn't play in the WC. He has the ability to hit when needed . HE is rusty right . Remember he missed a lot of cricket just like shoaib and i'm sure he'd come good when the occasion comes Its sad how people forget how many matches he has won and set up with his late order hitting

Jesus christ. What about that game when Razzaq got dropped 2wice, and still made only 20 off 20 balls in the 8 overs that he was there. If he was still THE Razzaq, he should made at least 50 off 35 right? I believe Sami or Gul or whoever was there batted better then him. That game, I knew, that Razzaq had lost it.

[salman24]

Originally Posted by iZeeshan Jesus christ. What about that game when Razzaq got dropped 2wice, and still made only 20 off 20 balls in the 8 overs that he was there. If he was still THE Razzaq, he should made at least 50 off 35 right? I believe Sami or Gul or whoever was there batted better then him. That game, I knew, that Razzaq had lost it.

If anyione else had played like that it would've been acceptable but not for razzaq with all the razzaq haters
He played a run a ball and remeber he just came back from a lay off of 4 months!!!!!!!!!!!!! Come on give the guy a break. He will perform when neede like he does normally with his batting. He was hitting in some matches of the practise 20/20. Al though I don't think he got much of a chance to bat long

In a 20/20 WC cup for Pak 3 people should be cerainties razzaq, malik and afridi. Nazir is also suited in this version of the game. As far as I am concerned, I reiterate this is a really ludicrous decision

[salman24]

Originally Posted by iZeeshan Jesus christ. What about that game when Razzaq got dropped 2wice, and still made only 20 off 20 balls in the 8 overs that he was there. If he was still THE Razzaq, he should made at least 50 off 35 right? I believe Sami or Gul or whoever was there batted better then him. That game, I knew, that Razzaq had lost it.

BTW how can he make 50 off 35 when he just played 20 balls at the end of the innings

[PlanetPakistan]

Originally Posted by SUPERSAMI True, Moyo has ran out Afridi a few times when Afridi was on a roll.

Hey Usman did you edit my quote and changed 'months' to 'years'? almost had me there

[iZeeshan]

Originally Posted by salman24 BTW how can he make 50 off 35 when he just played 20 balls at the end of the innings

What I mean is that, if he were the real Razzaq and he came win with EIGHT overs to go, he would have kept strike and kept going and hitting. But no he didnt.

Even Razzaq's bowling is unsatisfactory, and it just looks like he's there. He doesn't come running in anymore, just comes in and lazily delivers the ball.

[SUPERSAMI]

Originally Posted by PlanetPakistan Hey Usman did you edit my quote and changed 'months' to 'years'? almost had me there

Merely correcting you

[PlanetPakistan]

Originally Posted by SUPERSAMI Merely correcting you

dont do it again because i would hate to ban a Sami fan

[salman24]

Originally Posted by iZeeshan What I mean is that, if he were the real Razzaq and he came win with EIGHT overs to go, he would have kept strike and kept going and hitting. But no he didnt. Even Razzaq's bowling is unsatisfactory, and it just looks like he's there. He doesn't come running in anymore, just comes in and lazily delivers the ball.

Well his bowling abilities are debatable. Although, even purely as a batsmen he is a certainty for me. Its absurd to leave him out especially in a 20/20.

[Re-Verse]

Razzaq should definately be included in the 20/20 squad... His clean hitting at the end of an innings is awesome and he has in the past changed the course of a mach for the pakistan team. Recently he was instrumental in our ICC victory againsat Sri Lanka and he also tore apart the England attack in a one dayer where the rest of the team collapsed. I do admit he appears to be a little rusty but surely 20/20 is the one way to get your form back.

[PlanetPakistan]

I can certainly see where Salman is coming from...it's a very risky move to drop A Razzaq but F Alam(his replacement) seems to be an excellent 20-20 cricketer so it might not be such a bad idea to rest AR

[salman24]

Originally Posted by Re-Verse Razzaq should definately be included in the 20/20 squad... His clean hitting at the end of an innings is awesome and he has in the past changed the course of a mach for the pakistan team. Recently he was instrumental in our ICC victory againsat Sri Lanka and he also tore apart the England attack in a one dayer where the rest of the team collapsed. I do admit he appears to be a little rusty but surely 20/20 is the one way to get your form back.

Exactly!!!

[Amjid Javed]

The 20/20 WC is meaningless and Moyo should be left out so he can be fit and focused for series v S.A, india and Aus.

Razzaq should never play for pakistan again, hes one of a few cricketers past his best.

[Saj]

I guess it all depends on how seriously Pak are taking the twenty/20 World Cup.

If they are taking it seriously then surely one of the best batsmen in the world should be in the starting lineup. MY has the ability to tear any bowling attack apart.

My views on Abdul Razzaq are well known on PP and I believe that at the moment he's a player living on past performances.

[Mo.]

Dropping Yousef is just disrespectful.

I agree with the decision not to play him. T20 cup is just a gimmick tournament, and he is much bigger and better than it. No need to waste his time, skill, energy (and so on) by playing him in it.

They should have just publically announced that they are resting him. Not dropping him. He's our best player; imagine how he would feel when he hears the word "dropped"

Honestly, sometimes the management just make me so mad.

[Mohsin]

Originally Posted by Saj I guess it all depends on how seriously Pak are taking the twenty/20 World Cup. If they are taking it seriously then surely one of the best batsmen in the world should be in the starting lineup. MY has the ability to tear any bowling attack apart. My views on Abdul Razzaq are well known on PP and I believe that at the moment he's a player living on past performances.

The PCB have said that they aren't big fans of twenty20 cricket anyway, so they wont be that enthusiastic about it, and they shouldn't (based on their view on twenty20 cricket), really be taking it too seriously, but another thing is that we have to take into mind the long big tournament drought that Pakistan cricket is going through, so they actually behind the scenes, the PCB officials are probably very keen for Pakistan to do very well in this tournament. And anyway, if the PCB didn’t really care about this tournament, then why would they organise all these camps? And why would all these practice games be played (in the sapping July/August heat), in these camps? But then again, that comes back to the original point. Why drop your star performer, and now your top batsman, for an inexperienced player, who has no big match experience?

[salman24]

AJ and SAJ
I believe any tournament that has all the teams is important and is a world championship
As the 50 over game became popular so will the 20/20. I would be really be proud if I were to look back maybe 10 years from now when 20/20 is big knowing PAK won the first WC.

However without Razzaq and MOYo, it'll be very difficult. Razzaq is really suited for this form of the game. There is no doubt about it. He would be a great asset to the team and would no doubt win matches for them. His attacking style is taailor made for this form of the game. If he were given a chance he would definitely perform as he does all the time as mentioned against ENglans. I never knew there were so many razzaq haters that pounce on razzaq forgettting all he has done. Remember he just came back from a long lay off and did not fail that badly that people should want him axed. Anywayonce you are prejudiced , I guess its difficult to change

[deviously~fading~away]

Originally Posted by Amjid Javed The 20/20 WC is meaningless and Moyo should be left out so he can be fit and focused for series v S.A, india and Aus. Razzaq should never play for pakistan again, hes one of a few cricketers past his best.

Knowing PCB they would drop Razzaq for the T20 World Cup & pick him for the test series vs SA, India & Aus!

[Amir]

I don't mind them dropping Moyo. He does not bat that quick as he once did and his S/R has dropped in the past year. I agree with Mo. though that they should not drop him and make him face the humilation of such words. They should rather say, "we intend to rest him."

Because when you think about it, that is what they are doing. They did say they want to test new blood. Plus not like PCB are saying they dropped him.....its just how the author happened to spin the words. All they said was they wanted some flexibility and that he is unlikely to be picked for that reason since they want to try some younger blood.

[Blistering Barnacle]

Yousuf has shown in the past that he is very capable of playing the big shots. I probably would have kept him in the squad.

[Laboni]

The last 20/20 Pak played in England, Razzaq got 3 wickets for about 30 runs and was instrumental to pak win. Later against SL in Abu Dhabi also he played exceptionally well and contributed to Pak' win. This is when he was playing horribly. Why do people hate Razzi so much.

[Easa]

If we wanted to preserve him and keep him for the more important Test series, then why are calls coming that he has been dropped? Usually, there is a public announcement that your main batsman is getting rested for what you consider a not so important tournament. However, all we hear are calls that he is going to get dropped. Ridiculous really.

[the Great Khan]

so the Mullah purge begins...yousuf will eventually be dropped from the ODI's as well...and within two years he will be out of the pakistan test team...razzak's career is over...soon afridi will join him...Rana is history too..so half the Mullahs will be sent packing...im sure the bollywood cinemas will now love the patronage from our crikcet team when they visit next year...enlightened moderation indeed!!

[Sheikh]

Originally Posted by the Great Khan so the Mullah purge begins...yousuf will eventually be dropped from the ODI's as well...and within two years he will be out of the pakistan test team...razzak's career is over...soon afridi will join him...Rana is history too..so half the Mullahs will be sent packing...im sure the bollywood cinemas will now love the patronage from our crikcet team when they visit next year...enlightened moderation indeed!!

Wait, so Razzaq, Afridi, and Rana are Mullahs? Thats a first.

I'd be very happy if Yousuf was ''dropped'' from the ODI team. That way he could concentrate on the only form of cricket that matters. That could also add another couple of years to his career allowing him to continue to around 38, as Lara did. As it is, Yousuf will, in all probability, not be a part of the 2011 WC so whats the point of him playing meaningless 1-day after meaningless 1-day at this point? He should just retire, as should Younis as well as Shoaib Akhtar. May as well give Alam, Latif, Manzoor, and Shahid Yousuf some exposure to international cricket.

[161]

PCB Wisdom - Razzaq wont play 20/20 but will play in tests.

[the Great Khan]

Wait, so Razzaq, Afridi, and Rana are Mullahs? Thats a first.

yeah they have a tendency to pray namaz etc in training so their Mullahs..and plus they are Inzis group..so they must be purged..namaaz isnt allowed in the cricket team..didnt you know that?

[deviously~fading~away]

Originally Posted by the Great Khan yeah they have a tendency to pray namaz etc in training so their Mullahs..and plus they are Inzis group..so they must be purged..namaaz isnt allowed in the cricket team..didnt you know that?

No, please enlighten us more with your crap!

[salman24]

Originally Posted by Laboni The last 20/20 Pak played in England, Razzaq got 3 wickets for about 30 runs and was instrumental to pak win. Later against SL in Abu Dhabi also he played exceptionally well and contributed to Pak' win. This is when he was playing horribly. Why do people hate Razzi so much.

I don't know. Its sad how people are after him even though he wins and also providews some ver useful contributions for pak

[the Great Khan]

No, please enlighten us more with your crap!

oh sorry did you not hear me the first time...or are yu a complete idiot?

[Amir]

Originally Posted by the Great Khan so the Mullah purge begins...yousuf will eventually be dropped from the ODI's as well...and within two years he will be out of the pakistan test team...razzak's career is over...soon afridi will join him...Rana is history too..so half the Mullahs will be sent packing...im sure the bollywood cinemas will now love the patronage from our crikcet team when they visit next year...enlightened moderation indeed!!

That has to be the most ridiculious thing I ever heard. Even out trumps that guy who wrote about what PAkistan stands for! So what other conspiracy theories that you have? Australia bought their way to number one? 9/11 was done by CIA intelligence?

[PlanetPakistan]

Originally Posted by ammarz In defense of yousuf i have one inning that everyone should watch if possible, and that is vs Aus in the 99 WC during the prelim matches. He really clobbered them in that match even though it was a short inning. He can definately play 20/20 and should be part of the squad. a genuine world class batsman can adjust to any form of the game. If its true that he will be dropped, complete stupidity on part of PCB.

Sorry i missed this post earlier but yeah before that innings i didn't really rate Yousuf but in a space of some 15 balls he showed me why he was the part of the WC squad. IIRC after that innings he got injured and was ruled out of the super sixes stage.

[UJ]

Yousufs innings vs Zimbabwe comes to mind where he hit 8 sixes and made 70 odd from 30 something balls. But that was back in 2002, and Im not sure if he can play those type of innings anymore.

[mumtaz]

I would have actually liked Younis to be dropped instead of Yousuf bcoz its quite apparent that Pakistan cant/shudnt play both in the same 20/20 team. Yousuf is definitely the better of the two with much greater hitting ability as well. Yousuf is also not as bad a fielder as he is portrayed to be, he is a fast sprinter and has a good arm from the deep.

Dropping Razzaq would be an even bigger mistake. Fawad Alam might be a good 20/20 player but he is no Razzaq when it comes to power hitting. Pakistan is the only team who has two such explosive hitters in Afridi and Razzaq. One of them would more often than not click. Dropping Razzaq would put too much pressure on Afridi to click every time if Pakistan are to put up a huge total or chase down one. Razzaq though needs to be played in the top 7 as a pure batsman.

[salman24]

Originally Posted by mumtaz I would have actually liked Younis to be dropped instead of Yousuf bcoz its quite apparent that Pakistan cant/shudnt play both in the same 20/20 team. Yousuf is definitely the better of the two with much greater hitting ability as well. Yousuf is also not as bad a fielder as he is portrayed to be, he is a fast sprinter and has a good arm from the deep. Dropping Razzaq would be an even bigger mistake. Fawad Alam might be a good 20/20 player but he is no Razzaq when it comes to power hitting. Pakistan is the only team who has two such explosive hitters in Afridi and Razzaq. One of them would more often than not click. Dropping Razzaq would put too much pressure on Afridi to click every time if Pakistan are to put up a huge total or chase down one. Razzaq though needs to be played in the top 7 as a pure batsman.

Well said thats exactly what i was thinking!!!