Lahore, Sep. 17 : Former Pakistan opening batsman Aamir Sohail has backed tainted fast bowler Mohammad Asif’s inclusion in the team for the Champions Trophy and said the team management must play him in the tournament.

Referring to reports that the team management is apprehensive about playing Asif in the eight nation tournament, Sohail said Asif is Pakistan’s best opening bowler.

“I''m rather puzzled by comments from certain quarters saying that Asif''s selection was a long term plan and that he may not play in the Champions Trophy. As far as I am concerned, he is Pakistan''s best bowler with the new ball and has to play in the Champions Trophy,” he said.

In an interview with PakPassion. net, Sohail said the team management must include Asif in the playing eleven for the tournament’s opening match against West Indies on September 23.

“With all due respect, Pakistan’s first match is against the weakest team in the group, West Indies and that could be the perfect opportunity for Asif to gain some form and confidence and get him prepared for the two remaining crunch games. It would be a huge mistake giving Asif his comeback match against either India or Australia,” he said.

Sohail said Pakistan has the ability to win the coveted trophy, but the players would have to give their best for that, and highlighted that batsman must back their bowlers to succeed.

“If Pakistan play with a well-planned strategy, they could do very well in South Africa. Looking through the squad, they have the talent and the resources. I feel that the batting will be the key for Pakistan and the batsman need to back up their bowlers, with good partnerships and responsible batting,” he added.

Sohail was critical of batting advisor Javed Miandad’s strategy of making the team practice on a green wicket.

“Pakistan’s games against the key opponents in the group, India and Australia are at Centurion and that is certainly not a green top, in fact I would say it’s a fantastic batting track, so the green wicket strategy is a strange one,” he said. (ANI)