Thaindian News

Lahore, Mar.11 (ANI): Former Pakistan fast bowler and newly appointed coach of the national squad Waqar Younis has said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) must make public the reasons behind banning senior players Mohammed Yousuf and Younis Khan.

Waqar said the PCB’s decision to impose a life term ban on Yousuf and Younis has come as ‘big shock’ to him.

“I think the players, their fans and public have a right to know what were the reasons for taking these strong decisions. It will also clear any controversy and issues,” The Daily Times quoted Waqar, who is currently in Sydney, as saying.

He said it would not be easy to replace players of the class of Yousuf and Younis.

“Obviously it is not going to be easy replacing Yousuf or Younis because they are quality batsmen with batting averages of 50 which is rare these days,” Waqar said.

However, chief selector Mohsin Khan appeared to differ from Waqar’s stance, as he believes that Pakistan’s bench strength was strong enough to fulfil the gap.

“We have some very good reserve players and I don’t think there will be any problems in selecting a strong team for the World Twenty20,” Khan said.

Pakistan will be without all rounder Shoaib Malik and fast bowler Rana Naved-ul-Hasan as the duo has been banned for one year by the PCB for indiscipline.

Khan said though the absence of Malik and Rana would have some effect, the step taken by the PCB was also necessary for better future.

“Don’t get me wrong. I have great regard for both Malik and Rana but the thing is that nobody can be more important than your country. Team discipline should be our top priority which is why I support this move,” he added. (ANI)