Zaheer Abbas 'gung ho' about Pak's WC chances

Stopping short of declaring Pakistan as favourites at the upcoming World Cup, former captain Zaheer Abbas forcefully said that their chances of winning the elite tournament cannot be written off.

The former iconic batsman expressed the view that when it came to major tournaments Pakistan had always had the potential to show their true colours.

Abbas said that selectors had taken enough time to finalise the squad for the World Cup, which he believes, was a good thing in deciding the team. He added that taking good decisions needs time and he hopes selectors would come up with a well-balanced squad at the end, the Dawn reported.

With the 2015 World Cup, what would be staged in Australia and New Zealand, just round the corner the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) would announce the squad on Wednesday, which has been set as deadline by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for submission of the squads.

Abbas said that he had pinned his hopes on towering fast bowler Mohammad Irfan, adding that he feels the paceman should be given chance in all matches of the mega event, for he might well be able to fill the gap left open by ace off-spinner Saeed Ajmal.

Abbas also said that Ajmal's absence would be felt in the mega event as the off-spinner was one of the greatest bowlers Pakistan had got, but he added that nothing could be done as his bowling action is not in line with the ICC rules.

Abbas further said that all-rounder Shahid Afridi could not be fully relied upon during the mega event, as although he has performed tremendously well in the UAE but the all-rounder is yet to perform on pitches in Australia and New Zealand.

Abbas also claimed that Mohammad Hafeez also deserved a place in the World Cup squad as he was the best opener Pakistan had got for the spectacle.