The Pakistan cricket squad for the South Africa tour has come under scrutiny due to Babar Azam’s inclusion and Shaheen Afridi’s omission. Former cricketer Basit Ali questioned the rationale behind these decisions, specifically highlighting Babar’s recent performances and Shaheen’s conduct during a past Test. The multi-format series is set to commence on December 10, drawing attention to the potential impact of these selections on the team’s future performance.
The recent announcement of Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa has sparked controversy, particularly surrounding the inclusion of Babar Azam and the omission of fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi. Basit Ali, a former cricketer, expressed his concerns over these selections, suggesting that Shaheen’s removal from the Test side was unjustified, particularly in light of Babar’s subpar performances since his previous exclusion from the team. The multi-format series is set to begin on December 10 in Durban, and the squad features a mix of familiar faces and emerging talent.
Babar’s return to the Test lineup has raised eyebrows, as critics question the rationale behind his selection given his lackluster form in recent matches. Following his removal from the Test squad during the England series, Babar continued to struggle, recording minimal contributions in both ODI and T20I formats during his tour of Australia. Underlining these concerns, Basit pointed out that Babar had not played a sufficient number of domestic matches to justify his reinstatement. Conversely, Shaheen’s abrupt withdrawal has been linked to behavioral issues observed during a recent Test against Bangladesh, where video footage surfaced showing him rejecting the captain’s gesture during a team huddle.
The selections reveal a potential disconnect in the decision-making process of the selection committee, raising questions about player performance metrics and squad dynamics. Ali’s critiques reflect broader concerns within the cricketing community about accountability and transparency in team selections, especially with upcoming matches on the horizon.
The topic revolves around the selection process for Pakistan’s cricket squad ahead of their tour of South Africa, which is set to begin on December 10. This announcement has led to significant scrutiny from former players and analysts, particularly regarding the inclusion of Babar Azam and the exclusion of Shaheen Shah Afridi. The context includes recent performances of these players in international matches, with particular emphasis on Babar’s form and the implications of Shaheen’s recent conduct during team activities.
In summary, the debate surrounding the selection of the Pakistan cricket squad for the South Africa tour underscores ongoing concerns regarding player performance and selection criteria. Basit Ali’s pointed critiques of Babar Azam’s recall and Shaheen Afridi’s omission highlight the complexities and challenges faced by the selection committee. As Pakistan prepares for this critical series, the implications of these decisions will be watched closely by fans and analysts alike.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
