Karachi, Dec 17 : Pakistan’s preparation for the 2011 World Cup is “not up to the mark”, and it is high time that the selectors announced the preliminary squad to give enough time to the players to prepare properly, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has said.

Akram’s statement came close on the heels of one-day skipper Shahid Afridi and coach Waqar Younis’ observation during the national camp in Lahore that Pakistan needed to step up their 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,” the Daily Times quoted Akram, as saying.

“It is better not to give false hopes to people. I think the PCB has already delayed long enough the announcement of players for the World Cup,” he added.

The former Test pacer said that there was no purpose of wasting any more time, and the players “who are going to play in the World Cup should know where they stand and what are the expectations from them.”

He was of the view that the quadrennial event in the sub-continent would 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 quicker the probables are selected, it will allow the players to prepare properly,” he explained.

Akram, however, declined to comment on the fate of the players currently under investigation over 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,” he added.

Pakistan are scheduled to tour New Zealand later this month for three Twenty20 Internationals, two Tests and six ODIs, and Akram warned the national team of a backlash from the Kiwis after their recent drubbing at the hands of Bangladesh and India.

“They have lost badly to Bangladesh and India but I believe New Zealand are always a difficult team in their own backyard. Pakistan should not take them lightly at all,” he cautioned, adding, “New Zealand have been hammered but they would be a different side at home and it will be tough for Pakistan.”

Akram, however, said that Pakistan were capable of beating the Kiwis in their own backyard. “Pakistan have the ability, their performance against South Africa was satisfactory. The players just need support,” he said, adding that the presence of Younus Khan and captain Misbahul Haq was a big boost for the visiting team. (ANI)