World Cup 2015: Pakistan Shouldn't Risk Unfit Mohammad Irfan vs Australia in Quarters, Says Asif Iqbal

Pakistan, who overcame a shaky start to their World Cup campaign to qualify for the quarter-finals, owe their spot in the knockouts in no small measure to the tall and fast Mohammad Irfan. His four-wicket burst against Zimbabwe in Brisbane and a three-wicket haul against South Africa in Auckland ensured the 1992 champions emerged victorious despite posting low scores. However, former Pakistan skipper Asif Iqbal felt Irfan should not be risked against Australia in their last-eight clash unless he was 100 per cent fit.(Misbah Says Pressure Now on Australia)

Irfan had to miss Pakistan's must-win match vs Ireland on Sunday. Chances are he would not be fit in time for the quarters when Pakistan clash with Australia at the Adelaide Oval on March 20. Given Australia's powerful batting line-up, Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq would have wanted Irfan for his ability to generate pace and extra bounce. But Iqbal, who played in 58 Test matches for Pakistan between 1964 and 1980, said it would be a "huge risk" to play Irfan in the knockout clash against the four-time world champions.(Who Plays Who in Quarters)

"Irfan did not play in the game against Ireland as he was not fit. His presence is very important for the team but let's be clear that even if he is lacking fitness by 10%-20%, he should not be played in the next game as this can be a huge risk. He needs to be 100% fit for Pakistan to play him especially in the upcoming knock out stages," Iqbal told www.pakpassion.net.(We Can Win the World Cup, Claims Misbah)

"Don't risk Irfan against Australia if he's not 100% fit. Not only Irfan but if any player, especially a key member of the bowling attack, breaks down in the middle of the game then the repercussions on the outcome of the game will be very significant and it is a huge loss. I believe Irfan should only be played if the camp feels that he can bowl his full quota of ten overs and show full commitment in the field."

Pakistan's bowling attack has already been severely hampered with the absence of off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, pacers Umar Gul and Junaid Khan. Opening batsman Mohammad Hafeez, who usually bowls accurate off-spinners, was also ruled out following a late injury. In Irfan's absence, the bowling would heavily rely on the experienced Wahab Riaz and Shahid Afridi. In a tournament, where the batsmen have mostly let the team down, a further blow to the bowling attack could be disastrous.(Fake Expert Dupes News Channel)

Irfan has so far picked up eight wickets from five matches in this World Cup. (Australia Set to Launch Bouncer Barrage, Warns Cummins)