Less than ideal preparation for Arthur’s men
PAKISTAN’S build-up for next month’s Champions Trophy has been a tale of two fitness battles, with Haris Sohail emerging as a late replacement for Umar Akmal.
Akmal’s issues have been entirely of his own making, with the batsman failing two mandatory fitness tests in as many days, and the PCB’s new strict fitness policy meaning he was duly sent home.
“We had a set a fitness standard which isn’t really a tough one to start with,” chief selector Inzamam-ulHaq explained. “But he still didn’t meet the average level. So whoever the player is, whatever his performance is like, we could not select him.
“Akmal being dropped is a reprimand and it’s a major blow for any player. He is a good player, we needed him, but we had to take a decision.”
Sohail’s story is a much more positive one as the talented left-hander has finally recovered from a serious knee injury, sustained in 2015, that threatened his entire career.
Multiple operations and rehabilitation programmes later, the 28-year-old – who averages a healthy 43 in ODIs – is ready to make a return to the international scene after two years away.
And Sohail – whose leftarm spin could also play in his favour due to Pakistan’s current glaring lack of an all-rounder – is understandably delighted to get another shot.
“I worked really hard for my comeback after battling with the injury for long,” said Sohail.
“As a sportsman my aim is to perform and when I got dropped it was because of my injury and not because of my performance.
“So I am sure selectors have taken that into account while short-listing my name (as a replacement for Akmal).
“When I got unfit, it was such a situation where I was in top form, runs were flowing, but falling unfit was disappointing. I hope all my effort and struggle over the years pay off this time.”