Afridi out, Nazir out; Sami and Kaneria in.

Have the PCB's selectors lost their minds? For the upcoming ODI series with the WI, not only have they left out Shahid Afridi, they have also dropped Shahid Nazir, Faisal Iqbal and Samiullah Niazi. Mohammad Sami and Danish Kaneria have been retained, while Rana Naved, Rao Iftikhar and Abdul Rehman have been retained.

I find this selection policy inexplicable. Faisal Iqbal and Samiullah Niazi have been kept on the fringe of the squad for months now, as has been Abdul Rehman. I can understand any of them being left aside, yet what about Shahid Nazir? He has bowled consistently, with control and has made the ball dance on many occasions. 11 wickets at 29 a pop, and only at around 3.3 an over, any one would think would be enough to be retained for the squad. I recognize the need to give Rana Naved another try, specially given his prior form, but Mohammad Sami? Rao Iftikhar? This is hardly rewarding and consistent of the PCB. And truly, when does the PCB intend to give Iqbal, Niazi and Rehman a try? When will the youngsters be blooded? When will they be given a chance?

This space and I have always been a big fan of Shahid Afridi, and many a time have been almost too forgiving of his many lapses. Yet, he is perhaps the only player on the Pakistani side, outside of Inzamam who in ODI cricket is a proven match winner and a difference maker. Yes, his form has been poor. Yes, he has not made a difference for some time. Yet, I would contend that a drop during the Test series with the WI was enough of a wake up call. He cannot be left to languish, he is too good for that. Kamran Abbasi does agree with me. I find some solace in the thought that the squad is only named for the first ODI, and can be changed for the latter matches. Shahid Afridi must play.