If they are to win a second World Cup, with three key players banned for corruption and their homeland a no-go zone for international cricket, Pakistan face a mighty challenge. That's the view of Imran Khan, the legendary captain who led his country to the 1992 world title. He believes that the bans handed out to opener Salman Butt and new-ball bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer will hit Pakistan's chances. "Without Aamer and Asif - currently two of the world's best bowlers - our attack is not potent,". Pakistan's build-up to the World Cup has not only been marred by the spot-fixing scandal, but also by the uncertainty over the selection of wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal, former captain Shoaib Malik and leg-spinner Danish Kaneria. All have been under suspicion but only Kamran got clearance from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), while the other two were not selected in the 15-man squad. To make matters worse, the PCB delayed naming the captain for two weeks, raising doubts that one-day captain Shahid Afridi may be replaced with Test skipper Misbah-ul Haq. It was only after Pakistan won their recent one-day series in New Zealand 3-2 that Afridi was retained. But Imran still believes Pakistan can surprise if they play above their potential.
"Pakistan are a very unpredictable side," he said. "They will have to play out of the ordinary to make a mark at the World Cup. "I fail to understand why they delayed naming the captain because Afridi is the only player who can pull the team together, both as player and as captain."
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