Form, fitness in domestic cricket must for selection in national squad: Pak chief selector

Lahore, Apr 28(ANI): Pakistan cricket team's chief selector, Iqbal Qasim, has said every player has to show his form and fitness in domestic cricket if he wants to be considered for selection in the national squad.

"If veteran cricketer M Yousuf is fit then he has to play domestic cricket and show his form and fitness and after that the selection committee will consider him after seeing his performance," The Nation quoted Qasim, as saying

In response to Qasim's statement, Yousuf said: "I cannot negate what Iqbal Qasim has said that as it is necessary to play domestic cricket first to show form and fitness which helps selectors to select the players. Actually, I was unable to play this year's domestic season due to my personal problems and works so now it's up to the selectors what they decide."

Qasim added that the PCB had invited 75 Under-19 players for trials and divided them into three pools and every pool would face the other in the matches.

"On May 5, we will shortlist names of 30 players and handover to PCB. The under-19 players are very talented and skilled and I can say that Pakistan cricket future is safe. I hope they will exhibit their prowess in the U-19 World Cup. I can also see very good fast bowlers in these players who will surely make their place in the national team soon," he said.

He also rejected rumours of his differences with coach Dav Whatmore.

"I am surprised to hear that there are differences between Whatmore and me while there is no reality as I have very good relations with the head coach. I would like to say that he is a very good coach and not only bring the national team on top but also help boost cricket in the country," he said.

He said the Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka series would be announced on May 12. (ANI)