Rashid Latif Names India and England as The Two Most Balanced Teams Heading to T20 World Cup

India team named as one of the most balanced teams by Rashid Latif…read more…

Wednesday, 6th October 2021

Former captain of the Pakistan Cricket Team Rashid Latif is of the belief that two teams that look most balanced before heading to the ICC T20 World Cup later this month, are India and England. The much-awaited event is all set to get underway starting October 17 in the UAE and Oman.

In an interview, the former Pakistan skipper said, ““India and England appear to be the most balanced sides in the tournament while West Indies always remain a dangerous side but I wouldn’t write Pakistan off as if they click they could gain momentum and surprise many people.”

Mentioning his home team, the former wicketkeeper – batsman said there were indications of some changes that could be made in Pakistan’s World Cup squad announced in September, and if that were to happen, he added, chief selector Muhammad Wasim would come under fire.

Latif said, “Now if they go ahead and make changes in the main 15-member squad then the chief selector must ethically resign and so should the other selectors.”

He added, “Because they are responsible for selecting the squad and if changes are made it means they failed to do their jobs properly the first time around.”

The T20 World Cup Pakistan squad that was picked last month has been deemed unequivocal by many and there are speculations that there may be some inclusions and exclusions. Several players in the selection have come under scrutiny after failing to adequately perform in the ongoing National T20 Championship.

The team will head for the venue, Dubai, on October 15 on a chartered flight.

Although, Latif had expressed exceptions when the 15-member and 3 reserve players squad was announced, he is quite optimistic about the Pakistani team. He said they might just prove to be the dark horse in the tournament and is not ready to rule them out just yet. He said, “I wouldn't write Pakistan off as if they click they could gain momentum and surprise many people.”

Earlier on, Latif had questioned the selector’s decision to not pick senior players Shoaib Malik and Sarfaraz Ahmed and keeping players like Fakhar Zaman in the reserves. He criticized the selection of young Azam Khan as reserve keeper-batsman over former captain Sarfaraz as well as the elimination of Zaman and pacer Shahnawaz Dahani from the main squad.

The News Talkie Bureau

Source- Indiatoday