Waqar hopeful of Pakistan’s Champs Trophy qualification

 Pakistan coach Waqar Younis said he will continue to try out new players for the development of the team despite his side being ranked No.9 in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and facing a challenge to qualify for the 2017 Champions Trophy.

The 2017 tournament will be contested by only the top-eight ranked sides.

Waqar also said that the 1992 World Champions will have to “live without Saeed Ajmal” and make up for the <g data-gr-id="25">off-spinner’s</g> absence through teamwork, as they left from here for a 52-day tour of Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

Pakistan <g data-gr-id="22">need</g> to beat Sri Lanka in the five-match ODI series to remain in contention for the Champions Trophy. It is their only opportunity ahead of the September 30 cut-off <g data-gr-id="21">date,</g> when the participants will be finalised based on rankings.

“I am not saying we have a weak ODI <g data-gr-id="26">team</g> but we are not as strong as we are in Tests. Our disciplines in Tests are stronger because we have inexperienced players in the one-day format. Of course, when you are trying new players it takes time,” Waqar was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“This series is very important for us to qualify for the Champions <g data-gr-id="19">Trophy</g> but we won’t hesitate in trying new boys because we have to keep our plan going to develop the team.”