ISLAMABAD - Explosive hitter Imran Nazir, experienced all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, ex-captain Shoaib Malik, left arm spinner Raza Hasan have made it to the 15-member squad announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
The only surprise exclusion from the squad is Junaid Khan, who despite performing exceptionally well in the Sri Lanka series was not enough to earn him a place in the national team. Junaid should have been considered ahead of Sami and Umer Gul but unfortunately selectors had other ideas.
Keeping in mind the current situation one had to admit it is almost a perfect selection with the exception of Sami and Umar Gul, who looked completely off-coloured during the recent series against Sri Lanka.
One had to admire PCB Chairman vision as he had fulfilled his promise of fair and transparent selection, Imran Nazir, Abdul Razzaq and especially Kamran Akmal would certainly add new dimension to Pakistan squad, Kamran would be more than handy with the bat as he is fully capable of destroying any attack of the world with his explosive batting, Pakistan were badly in need of an opener like Imran Nazir and Kamran Akmal who both had the quality of hitting and destroying any bowling attack. If Kamran manages to do well behind stumps as he is known for his butter fingers that let the team and Kamran down on numerous occasions then arguably he is by far the best among the current group of wicket keepers.
Abdul Razzaq is world's dangerous batsman and had won many matches for Pakistan single-handedly. Shoaib Malik is more than handy with the bat and can bowl useful off spinners too, Raza Hasan would prove to be a secret weapon for Pakistan, as he had bowled final overs under pressure situations superbly. Fast bowing department would be the major area of concern for Green caps as Umar and Sami attack looks a fragile one, but Yasir Arafat is still world's best T20 player and Sohail Tanveer has regained his old form, Pakistan would rely heavily once again on Saeed Ajmal to provide breakthroughs, if things went right this team is fully capable of lifting the World T20 Cup for the second time.