Ex-chief selector says selectors should have opted for youth over 'tried and tested failures'

Islamabad, May 16 (ANI): Former chief selector Salahuddin Sallu has said the currents selection committee should have opted for younger cricketers instead of old players, for the tour of Sri Lanka.

"It will be better if they [the selectors] bring in more youngsters who can be a part of Pakistan's future. The selectors should have opted for youth over tried and tested failures," Salahuddin told to Pakpassion.net.

He particularly objected to the inclusion of Mohammed Hafeez, Imran Farhat and Faisal Iqbal, saying that they had been given many chances to prove their worth and had by and large failed on the international stage.

"Even in my time [as part of the selection committee] these players have been utilized a lot already and been given ample opportunities. Both Imran Farhat and Faisal Iqbal have received many chances to impress selectors," Salahuddin said.

The selectors announced three separate cricket keepers for each format, Shakeel Ansar for T20s, Sarfraz Ahmed for ODIs and Adnan Akmal for Tests, which Sallu felt was one too many.

"Sarfraz Ahmed should be in the Twenty20 and ODI format. Look, he is a natural keeper. Among the Akmal brothers, Adnan Akmal is the best. Sometimes they play Umar Akmal as a keeper, which not only results in mistreating Umar, but also the keeper he replaces. Sarfraz Ahmed is excellent in my opinion as he uses his feet," he said.

The Pakistan team will be touring Sri Lanka in June. This series will include two T20s, five ODIs and three Tests. (ANI)