Selection Dilemma of Pakistan

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Pakistan has been unearthing and producing talents from nowhere. From the likes of Inzaman, Wasim, Waqar who had little to no experience of playing domestic cricket took international cricket by storm. Even now, unpolished young talents like Naseem Shah, Mohammad Musa, Abdullah Shafiq and Haider Ali are being given their international cap as they have a lot of potential. But they have not been able to live up to their expectations. 

Mohammad Wasim profile and biography, stats, records, averages, photos and videos
Chief Selector Mohammad Wasim

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Former cricketers not happy with Pakistan team’s selections

Many cricketers like Shoaib Akhtar, Kamran Akmal, Salman butt and Mohammad Amir are not happy with team selections. They  have called out selection committee for selecting players based on personal likes and dislikes or one good PSL innings.

 

There is the classic example of Fawad Alam. Alam had to wait ten years to come back into the test squad despite consistently performing for years in domestic cricket. Recently 36 year-old fast bowler, Tabish Khan, made his debut after picking almost 600 first class wickets.

Pakistan’s selection committee has also been inconsistent in selection policies. Players like Sohail Khan and Kashif Bhatti were axed from the test squad without even getting a game. Zafar Gohar, left-arm spinning allrounder, was also dropped from the squad after one test match in New Zealand. They also came under immense scrutiny after dropping their premier all-rounder, Imad Wasim, for the tour of South Africa and Zimbabwe.

There was also a controversy that Babar Azam. Despite being the captain of the side, he has no say in selection of squad. Allegedly, he was denied the players he wanted in the team. Players were reportedly Shoaib Malik, Imad Wasim for white ball and Imam-ul-Haq for tests. But this was later cleared by Babar Azam himself in a press conference that he has complete say in the selection process. However, Shoaib Malik refused to agree to this statement in a recent interview with ARY News.

Positive takeaways 

There have been selections which was efficacious. Like the selection of Nauman Ali, a constant performer in the domestic setup. He played a crucial role in Pakistan’s test win against South Africa at home early this year. Also, selectors have been spot on for selecting Hasan Ali in all three formats. He has been in sublime form this year and currently is the leading wicket taker in international cricket in 2021.

The promise and the pain of Hasan Ali

Team management are taking the right decision by backing Mohammed Rizwan. He is currently the leading run scorer in international cricket this year. Whether white ball or red ball, home or away, top order or lower order, Rizwan is scoring runs consistently and with authority. Also the re-emergence of Faheem Ashraf has provided an outstanding balance to the team.

PAK vs SA 1st T20: Mohammed Rizwan breaks 5 records with maiden T20 century- Check out

Pakistan have released their squad for upcoming tour of West Indies and England. Imad Wasim is back for T20s and Haris Sohail for ODIs. On the other hand, Naseem Shah and Mohammed Abbas are making a comeback in Tests. Yasir Shah’s selection is subject to fitness.

ALSO READ : Mohammad Amir accuses Pakistan’s cricket management of “mental torture”, announces retirement

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