Wasim wants fresh faces in PCB ~ Crunch Reports

Wasim wants fresh faces in PCB

The former Pakistan captain believes that the change of guard could start with the appointment of a "youngish" chief selector in place of Abdul Qadir, who has recently resigned from the position.

"What Pakistan need is the involvement of younger men, people in their thirties or forties who have played cricket in the modern era because they are the ones who will have the capability of make things right for the game," Akram told 'The News' at Lord's on Tuesday.

Without criticising Qadir, Akram said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should appoint a chief selector from his (Akram's) age bracket.

"It's important for Pakistan cricket that the chief selector is a younger guy, who has extensive knowledge of modern day cricket. He should be fully aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the local cricketers with complete knowledge of players from rival teams.

"Selecting a balanced team is no child's play and only a good professional can do the job," he stressed.

It is rumoured that former Pakistan captain Aamer Sohail is likely to take over as chief selector.

Akram also suggested that players like Moin Khan, who are actively involved in domestic cricket, can be ideal candidates for the job. Akram, however, ruled himself out of taking the job because of his commitments as a television commentator but offered his services as an advisor.

"I'm always ready to do my bit for Pakistan cricket," he said. "People say that I'm never around to help our cricketers. But the problem is that the people running our cricket never ask for my help. I can't force myself on them."

Akram, who played 104 Tests and 356 One-day Internationals before retiring in 2003, said that the PCB doesn't have to appoint a paid chief selector. "In fact it will be better to have a chief selector, who already has a job because such a person will perform the job without being under pressure.

"A paid official will always be worrying about retaining his job and at that times that can be a handicap."

The former Test pacer had picked Pakistan as his favourite team to win the World Twenty20 title but is disappointed at the way Younis Khan's men have performed so far in the tournament.

"I'm actually quite surprised at the way Pakistan have played here so far," said Akram. "I mean, they had an easy group and should have reached the Super Eights without many problems."

Pakistan were facing an early elimination from the World Twenty20 after crashing to a big defeat against hosts England on Sunday at The Oval.