Aakash Chopra names his all-time Pakistan ODI team

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has named his all-time Pakistan One-day International (ODI) side, comprising of 12 players, based on their effectiveness in the 50-over format.

Chopra picked elegant left-hander Saeed Anwar and Asian Bradman Zaheer Abbas as the opening pair.  

“Saeed Anwar was an extremely elegant player and had the temperament to play long innings. He was a match-winner and, as Indian fans, we were scared of him because he could hurt you with his batting,” said Chopra. “Alongside Anwar, I would pick Zaheer Abbas who was also a magnificent player.”  

Former Pakistan captains Inzamamul Haq and Javed Miandad were slotted in at number three and four positions, respectively.

“Inzamam was a top-class player despite some fitness concerns. He was equally good against, both, spin and pace,” he said. “Javed Miandad was also a fantastic player and his bat used to move like a hockey stick. He was good at milking singles but also had the ability to hit big shots.”

ALSO READ: Availability of foreign players won't be an issue when PSL 5 returns: Javed

Captain of Pakistan’s triumphant 1992 World Cup side, Imran Khan, and flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi were also included in the side.

“Imran Khan was a great leader and quality all-rounder,” he said. “Shahid Afridi was a hit and miss, generally, in the batting department but he became a really effective bowler as his career progressed. He was also a good fielder.”

Moin Khan was selected as the team’s wicketkeeper while all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, who is considered by many as Pakistan’s finest finisher, also managed to get on the list.

“Moin Khan was a safe bet behind the stumps and had a good understanding of the game. His continuous chatter from behind the stumps made it things difficult for the person batting,” he said. “I would include Abdul Razzaq at number eight. He was a good bowler but more importantly he taught players how to play big shots by clearing your front leg.”

Legendary fast-bowling trio of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar were also part of this elite list of players. Meanwhile, Saqlain Mushtaq was picked as the team’s only front-line spinner.

“Wasim Akram was a complete package. He was good at bowling with the old ball or the new ball while also scoring quick runs with the bat,” he said. “Waqar Younis was another match-winner especially because of his reverse-swing.”

“Saqlain is my one front-line spinner because you already have Shahid Afridi in the side. He was a very good bowler and was the inventor of Doosra,” he added. “Finally I will include my good friend Shoaib Akhtar in the list.”

Aakash Chopra’s all-time Pakistan XII

Saeed Anwar, Zaheer Abbas, Inzamamul Haq, Javed Miandad, Imran Khan, Shahid Afridi, Moin Khan, Abdul Razzaq, Wasim Akram, Saqlain Mushtaq, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar.