Pakistan's World Cup preparation not up to the mark

Pakistan's preparation for 2011 World Cup is not going on the right track and it's high time the selectors should handpick the preliminary squad to give enough time to the players to gel as a unit, feels former captain Wasim Akram.Akram statement came close on the heels of captain Shahid Afridi and coach Waqar Younis' observation during the national camp in Lahore that Pakistan wanted to step up its preparation for the World Cup, starting February 19."It is good they (Afridi and Younis) have spoken the reality because it is a fact. Even, I feel our preparations are not up to the mark," Akram told reporters.

"It is better not to give false hopes to people. I think the cricket board (PCB) has already delayed long enough the declaration of players for the World Cup," the former Test pacer said."I don't see the purpose of wasting anymore time. The players who are going to play in the World Cup should know where they stand and what are the prospect from them," he added.He was of the view that the quadrennial occasion in the sub-continent will provide Pakistan a great opportunity to make up for all the disappointment this year.

"In the last two tournaments we didn't do well at all and it was a huge disappointment for everyone. This time we have the opportunity to make amends. But time is of great essence now because the faster the probables are selected, it will permit the players to prepare correctly," Akram explained.He, however, declined to comment on the fate of the players, who are under investigation for spot-fixing allegations, but made it clear that no player was irreplaceable."We have a lot of talent in Pakistan cricket. We have players who are good enough to stand up and be counted at the top level. So, we shouldn't be too worried about availability of players," Akram added.