Former captain of the Pakistan cricket team Shoaib Malik has implored relevant bodies to offer more stability in the Pakistan A and U19 teams to ensure a steady supply of competent cricketers for the international side.
Malik offered his insights in ProPakistani’s podcast How Does it Work?
Malik stated,
What we need to look at is the staff that accompanies the Under 19 teams or the A team which changes on every tour but if you look at Indian cricket, their staff continuously works with the team because you are developing young players. That works like stairs if you want to reach the top.
Pakistan Shaheens’ latest stint in the ACC Emerging T20 Cup was the perfect exemplum of Malik’s complaints.
“Look at the Shaheens playing the Asia Cup,” Malik said. “5 or 6 players have been changed in the team so there is no continuity at all. You need that in players as well.”
Shoaib Malik was also quick to temper expectations from the Pakistan Super League when it comes to providing talent for the international team.
He further added, “I don’t see PSL as the reason for the selection of players unless you find someone really remarkable but that too will only be for T20I not the ODI or test cricket.”
Malik’s words are evident as only Haris Rauf has successfully transitioned from a PSL find to a bonafide member of the national team. PCB has also included Shaheens’ talent in their upcoming tour of Australia and if they show a glimmer of their potential PCB may want to pay more credence to Shoaib Malik’s advice and pay attention to the junior teams.