Waqar Younis hopeful of Pakistan's Champions Trophy qualification

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis

Lahore, June 9: 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 off-spinner's absence through teamwork, as they left from here for a 52-day tour of Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

Pakistan need 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 date, when the participants will be finalised based on rankings.

Pakistan ODI team weaker than Test team: Waqar

"I am not saying we have a weak ODI team 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 Trophy but we won't hesitate in trying new boys because we have to keep our plan going to develop the team."

The 43-year-old former pacer added, "I am confident that we will qualify for the Champions Trophy. We obviously have to win the series and it's important for us to win at least 3-2, but we will push to win more than three matches."

Misbah-ul-Haq and Shahid Afridi quit ODIs at the end of the World Cup and Ajmal was dropped from all formats because he was ineffective with his remodelled bowling action.

"The biggest setback we had was the ouster of Saeed Ajmal, who was a match-winner for us for many years," Waqar said.

Pakistan will play Sri Lanka in three Tests, five ODIs and two Twenty20 internationals. They will begin with a three-day tour game in Colombo from June 11, before the first Test in Galle from June 17.