Former Pakistani cricketer Rashid Latif has voiced his apprehensions regarding Pakistan’s cricket team’s preparations for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023 in India.
In simple terms, Latif is worried about the lack of a solid backup plan in case unexpected challenges arise during the tournament, such as the unavailability of key players due to injuries or other unforeseen circumstances.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Latif highlighted the importance of having a robust Plan B in place, particularly when a favorite player is unable to participate. This is the scenario he finds concerning.
Latif stressed the significance of having backup players who are ready and eager to step in when needed. He specifically mentioned four players – Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan, Qasim Akram, and Mubasir Khan – as potential assets in such situations.
According to Latif, these players should have been groomed and prepared for One Day Internationals (ODIs) at least a year ago to ensure they are match-fit and ready for international competition.
Notably, Latif expressed satisfaction with the omission of certain players like Zaman, Abrar, Haris, and Sarfaraz from the current World Cup squad. However, it’s important to note that he is not questioning their abilities as cricketers but rather thinking ahead to possible contingency scenarios.
Latif went on to elaborate that in the event of adverse circumstances during the World Cup, similar to what happened in 2003 when nine new players had to join the team, these four players could emerge as the saviors of the Pakistani cricket team.
It’s akin to having a secret weapon in reserve, ready to be deployed if the need arises, ensuring that Pakistan’s World Cup campaign remains resilient and adaptable in the face of unexpected challenges.
