We are not going to compromise on discipline: Haroon Rashid warns Pakistan players
During the World Cup there were reports about Shehzad and Umar Akmal in particular not being happy with the training methods of trainer. (Source: Reuters)
Pakistan’s new chief selector Haroon Rasheed hinted that the trio of Umar Akmal, Nasir Jamshed and Ahmed Shehzad were not dropped only because of inconsistent performance but also for disciplinary issues.
“The squads for Bangladesh have been picked totally independently by the new selectors without any pressure from anyone. Players now need to realize that to play for Pakistan they must be totally focussed on their job and their attitude must be positive all the time for the team,” Rasheed said.
Although Shehzad been given picked for the lone T20 match in Bangladesh but Haroon said that behavior of players would be closely monitored before deciding on the players to represent Pakistan.
“World Cup performance was also taken into account for the squad selection. The dropped players must prove themselves according to the merit devised by the PCB,” he said.
“A clear message is conveyed to the players that Pakistan comes first. The management is not going to compromise on discipline,” he added.
During the World Cup there were reports about Shehzad and Umar Akmal in particular not being happy with the training methods of trainer and fielding coaches and were also pulled up for using the social media despite instructions to the contrary.
Haroon said that the selectors would be picking players now with a four-year plan in mind.
“That is why we have introduced these young players in the team. We want to see where they stand and all performances in domestic cricket would be closely monitored.”
He pointed out that while Pakistan’s ranking as a Test and T20 playing nation was satisfactory it was the in seventh position in the ODI rankings which needed to be improved.
“We would like to be on top in all three formats but improving our position in ODIs is our priority right now.”
Source:: Indian Express
