Waqar Younis: Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal Were Not Asked to Stay Away from Team

Pakistan Cricket Team’s bowling coach Waqar Younis says that Ahmed Shahzad and Umar Akmal were never asked to be kept away from the Pakistan team.

Talking to the media after the training camp, he said that one has to go with the mindset of the head coach. All work under the head coach.

I have enough chemistry with Misbah-ul-Haq, I will try to support the current head coach and chief selector Misbah as much as possible.

The former Pakistani fast bowler said that the bowlers are working hard during the training camp and want to improve the performance of the team. New things have happened in Pakistan cricket. We all aim to improve the performance of the Pakistan team.

Waqar Younis further said that former bowling coach of Pakistan Cricket Team Azhar Mahmood has done a good job. What fast bowler Usman Shinwari said about him is his (Usman Shinwari) personal opinion.

In response to a question during the press conference, he said that the fitness is being improved during the camp for the cricket team, the bowlers are practicing hard.

The bowling coach of the national team said that he never said about national team opener Ahmed Shehzad and middle order batsman Umar Akmal that both should be kept away from the team. Some misconceptions were spread in the past.

There is no truth in these things. Waqar Younis said that the team is starting anew, new responsibilities have been given, this is not anyone’s team, it is Pakistan’s team, I am trying to help everyone. It keeps happening then we will do it. During the press conference, a question was asked that when are you coming back to Pakistan from Australia, to which Waqar Younis said that I am trying to move to Pakistan soon.

What are the reasons⁤ behind Ahmed Shahzad and Umar Akmal’s absence from the Pakistan team, according to Waqar Younis?

## Interview Transcript: Waqar Younis on Ahmed Shahzad and Umar Akmal

**Interviewer:** Waqar Younis, thank you for joining us today.

**Waqar Younis:** My pleasure.

**Interviewer:** Recently,‍ there were reports suggesting that Ahmed Shahzad and Umar Akmal were being deliberately kept out of the Pakistan team. You’ve refuted those claims. Can⁤ you elaborate on that?

**Waqar Younis:** Absolutely. I want to be clear: Neither‌ Ahmed ⁢Shahzad nor Umar Akmal were ever asked to be kept away from ‍the team by ⁤anyone. [[1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDG6tRiwLv8)]While I ⁣cannot speak⁣ for past decisions, my understanding is that selection is entirely focused ‌on the best interests‍ of the team at​ a given ‌time.

**Interviewer:** You mentioned working under the head coach’s mindset. ‍Could you explain what that means ⁤in this context?

**Waqar Younis:** As a bowling coach, I work closely with the head ⁣coach to decide on ‌strategies and team ​composition. ⁢It’s important to⁤ align our approaches and work together ‌cohesively. Ultimately, the head coach‍ has the final say on all selections, and the entire coaching staff supports those decisions.

**Interviewer:** Does this​ mean the door is open for Ahmed Shahzad​ and Umar Akmal⁤ to return to the‌ national team?

**Waqar Younis:** ⁣ Every player has‌ the opportunity to earn a⁤ place in ⁤the team through their performances.‌ Selection is based on merit and form. If⁢ Ahmed and Umar showcase their capabilities and ⁢perform well, they will certainly be considered, just like any‌ other talented cricketer in Pakistan.

**Interviewer**: Thank you for your time and insights, Waqar Younis.

**Waqar Younis:** ⁢ Thank you.