Aaqib Javed claims Pak far behind other teams in terms of WC preparations

Former Pakistan fast bowler Aaqib Javed has claimed that the nation is far behind other teams in terms of preparations for the World Cup and he believes that the recently concluded five match ODI series against New Zealand should have been the point at which they finalized their final set of players for the tournament.

Javed, who played 22 Tests and 163 ODIs during his career, stated that frankly there isn't much time left to the start of the tournament, and according to what he sees, New Zealand has already done their preparations well and he doesn't think they need to make too many changes in their ODI line-up for the World Cup.

He claimed that same can be said about Australia as well, adding that Indians are already in Australia so they have a good idea of the conditions to expect, Pak Passion reported.

Javed added that the South Africans always look good but he guesses that it's up to them to fight their old problem of choking at crucial times during major tournaments.

The former pace express further said that England still seems unsure of their final eleven but added that as far as Pakistan are concerned, they are far behind in terms of preparations for this mega event.

Javed insisted that the recently concluded five match ODI series against New Zealand should have been the point at which Pakistan would have finalized their final set of players for the World Cup, claiming that there is definitely some confusion amongst the Pakistan planners.

Pakistan's World Cup woes have been underlined by the fact that most of their front-line bowlers are injured. Mohammad Irfan is struggling with his fitness, so is Junaid Khan and Umar Gul. Moreover, ace off-spinner Saeed Ajmal is missing due to the illegal bowling action ban.

Javed believes that Pakistan has more talent in the shape of two fast bowling all-rounders in the shape of Anwar Ali and Bilawal Bhatti, and they might offer good options for a pretty decent line-up.