Abdullah Shafique - 1 List-A match and 1 First-class match, but called up to the ODI and Test squad

[Saj]

Your thoughts on the selection of Abdullah Shafique to both the ODI squad and Test squad for the tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa, despite having only played 1 List-A match and 1 First-class match.

In previous eras, most players would have had to play several seasons and plenty of matches, establish themselves in each format before they were picked for the national team.

Perhaps the selectors already feel that he is an exceptional talent who has the capability of being a successful international cricketer despite his lack of experience.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Exceptional or not, should play at least 10-12 first class matches to show his worth.
Even the greatest prodigy after Bradman, Sachin Tendulkar played 7-10 first class matches.
So surprising really. Makes the mockery of domestic tournament.
Respect the first class, and it will give you back with polished talent and product.

 

[Zaz]

You have a situation here someone whos not got any first class experience has been picked over the leading run scorer in a fc season

 

[RyanRyan10]

Selected on the basis of performance in 2nd XI tournament

 

[GreenKhan]

No matter what way you look at it, I find it absolutely pathetic. At least do some hard yards on the domestic circuit .

Even posters on that forum were calling him to be drafted in on the back of a few t20 matches .

We have to no rational . We are to quick to call someone a future great and also equally as quick to dismiss someone as a TTF.

 

[Sher Khan]

This guy is the golden boy of Pakistan Cricket. Sadly, he is another failure waiting to be exposed badly in International cricket. Dude was struggling to even get the ball of the square on the small NZ grounds. Has no hope at all in International cricket.

 

[Pacy with wisdom]

This guy is the golden boy of Pakistan Cricket. Sadly, he is another failure waiting to be exposed badly in International cricket. Dude was struggling to even get the ball of the square on the small NZ grounds. Has no hope at all in International cricket.

He is quality, but he is being treated unfairly here.

His method of scoring runs and his technique are extremely rare for our talent pool, which is why they have clung onto him before he has developed mentally and acquired enough confidence by racking up the runs in domestic cricket.

 

[UzmanBeast]

Even if he is immensely talented, he still has to play domestic cricket before a national callup. The domestic cricket is not for our own assurance, it's so that he can demonstrate his capability.

Shubman Gill was averaging about 70 odd in FC Cricket before India picked him for test matches. He had about 20 or so FC games I think, but Abdullah being selected based on 1 game is injustice towards domestic performers.

Now, if the reason is the lack of opening batsmen available, I can understand it but he should have played some FC Cricket before being introduced to the test team.

 

[Hasan123]

He has been selected and we know he won’t play so it makes even more pointless. He should be playing domestic cricket.

 

[Saj]

The concern is that we just don't seem to have learnt from the Naseem Shah episode, by calling-up a young cricketer to the national set-up when he was clearly not ready to play at the international level.

Now Shafique might be different and might succeed, but it's a huge ask on the lad and a massive gamble by picking him for Pakistan at this stage of his career.

They picked him for T20Is and he struggled, now they are trying their luck in the other formats.

 

[Saj]

You have a situation here someone whos not got any first class experience has been picked over the leading run scorer in a fc season

Indeed, bizarre.

He may prove that he is an extraordinary cricketer, but it's a huge risk to implement such a policy where you are throwing in guys with 1 match in two formats.

 

[shah_1]

He is a decent talent, but doesn't deserve the call so early

 

[TeymurBlake]

He seems to be built up as the next Babar Azam or next batting prodigy with a very limited sample size. He shouldn't be picked to for squads and deserves to be given time and opportunities in domestic cricket.

 

[hitthestump]

It seems that the PCB are really enamoured by the videos he posted on twitter of his net sessions and stories about how he apparently gets up at 5am every day for a run.

It must have been a while since they've had a talented batsman who isn't lazy to look out for. I think they've decided the raw materials are there and they're going to groom him for the national team from now.

It seems ridiculous, but at the same time it's like a low risk-high reward strategy.

 

[Mueez]

Deserves it.

Every person speaks highly of him.

 

[Titan24]

I have criticized and talked about selecting players too early as well in different threads however, I dont think we can single his selection out here as I dont think Abdullah Shafique's case is any different than few other selections we did in the past 5 years unless we are considering playing in PSL as a level of graduation to international cricket upon which Adbullah wont fit in.

Just to give an example one of our most premier bowlers in Shaheen Shah Afridi got selected for test cricket after 1 domestic FC match and ODI cricket on the basis of 4 List A matches in Pakistan cup 2018 where he averaged 48.5 with the ball, taking 5 wickets in 4 matches and at an economy of 6.51.

There are other examples as well from the past and I dont agree with having so many players based upon the policy of 'Pick them young". Its fine having one or two young guys with potential to be picked early so that they can grow their game with the national team but it isnt something which selectors should be overdoing.

As said, his case if we exclude PSL as graduation step isnt an anomaly based upon selection policies of last 5 years and we can hope he can step up.

 

[naseem]

This guy need backing

 

[naseem]

He will only get better

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

Is the next big thing after Babar Azam. Also has more potential than Saud Shakeel in longterm.

But very unfair to him to select him after only a few domestic games. He needs more exposure and sitting on the bench won't help.

 

[guldozer]

I don't think he'll play but he should not be anywhere near the national team at the moment.

 

[Saj]

This guy need backing

I think everyone is backing him and wants him to do well.

We all want to see the next Babar Azam coming through.

The concerns that some have are that he doesn't go the Naseem Shah way of too much too soon.

 

[Nasty Naz]

I think everyone is backing him and wants him to do well.

We all want to see the next Babar Azam coming through.

The concerns that some have are that he doesn't go the Naseem Shah way of too much too soon.

Naseem had serious injuries. Multiple times. And it would be stupid to write him off after struggling for a few games after his injuries.

Generally, you do see raw bowlers get picked young quite often simply due to the nature of fast bowling which is often running into injuries or seeing a decline in their pace as they age. Getting them in young and fast is generally is fine.

You don't see it as often with batters though and that is because they work extensively in domestic to really tighten up their technique/shots/range etc. It's a bit strange for sure but for a superb talent like this, I think it may be fine if he is closely working with coaches everyday, seeing his fellow teammates every day that he can learn from or even from the opposition.

Hopefully when the new domestic season start, he does play plenty of FC games then.

 

[Omer2002]

We are desperate for Batting talent and thats a fact. My only concern is the way he has been treated would effect his confidence

 

[Usman]

Indeed, bizarre.

He may prove that he is an extraordinary cricketer, but it's a huge risk to implement such a policy where you are throwing in guys with 1 match in two formats.

I wouldn't call it a huge risk, I would call it downright stupidity. It's not like we are in crisis with no options coming up through the ranks. Any Pakistani fan will list for you several names who deserve selection right now. It is pure insanity.

The only way in which this makes any sense at all is if Mohammed Wasim is looking at Abdullah as an opener and he thinks the cupboard is dry and so Abdullah is picked. However it's just such flawed logic - Abdullah hasn't proved himself in any format at any position.

 

[Snowflake]

Desperation has lead to a complete disregard of any merit and criteria when it comes to selection. At this point, our selectors are just throwing everything at the wall and hoping something sticks.

 

[Barragan]

Disgraceful.

Simple as that.

 

[Deewana Mastana]

The problem from long has been Pakistan's domestic set up which I have spoken about from decades.

When you look at these players aged 20-23 and see that they have barely played much domestic cricket at all that is the first problem we encounter.

Players in the other countries are playing domestics and when they're at that age if you look at their stats, they have already played something like for example; 40-50 FC games, 20-30 List A games and then 70 T20 games domestically.

This is the same thing that I had also raised in Saud Shakeel's thread before that when you look at his stats and for his age he hasn't even played 50 FC games.

So what is the issue here?

Are these guys being drafted a little late than the rest of the other players around the world who are playing more games being around the same age or is it to do with age fudging as mostly has been the case in Pak players.

The exposure to domestic cricket has to be there from a young age and for that it is a strong need to have a robust structure in place where such players are going to academies from age 12 onwards and working through as they age and then get to that level where they are inducted into the domestic system at the age of 18-19 depending on how their progress has been in the last 3-5 years.

 

[CricketingMinds]

Indeed, bizarre.

He may prove that he is an extraordinary cricketer, but it's a huge risk to implement such a policy where you are throwing in guys with 1 match in two formats.

The problem is, Saj, that this strategy deemed successful once upon a time with the likes of Inzi, Wasim, Waqar.... And now as a result our culture has embraced this "go big or go home" strategy

 

[Savak]

Lol this guy must look like a million bucks in the nets. He must be seriously passing the eye test to get such a level of confidence and backing by the selectors

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

The problem is, Saj, that this strategy deemed successful once upon a time with the likes of Inzi, Wasim, Waqar.... And now as a result our culture has embraced this "go big or go home" strategy

Inzi played domestic cricket and was performing there. He told that to Ashwin in his own words.

Waqar in an interview told himself that Imran saw him playing to TV. So he basically said that If I was shown as playing on TV, I must have done some good things in domestic cricket for that to happen. So he was not picked just out the blue.

Wasim is the only one.. But he was a freak of nature.

Respect the domestic system. No matter how much talented, should play at-least 10-12 matches in domestic.

 

[Savak]

Inzi played domestic cricket and was performing there. He told that to Ashwin in his own words.

Waqar in an interview told himself that Imran saw him playing to TV. So he basically said that If I was shown as playing on TV, I must have done some good things in domestic cricket for that to happen. So he was not picked just out the blue.

Wasim is the only one.. But he was a freak of nature.

Respect the domestic system. No matter how much talented, should play at-least 10-12 matches in domestic.

Inzi might have been another Fawad Alam had Imran not fast tracked him. We have an army of domestic legends who could never make it in international cricket. Waqar too got fast tracked. There were many bowlers in the 90's in domestic cricket who could not make it to the national team because there was no Imran Khan to demand their selection

 

[ChTab]

Your thoughts on the selection of Abdullah Shafique to both the ODI squad and Test squad for the tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa, despite having only played 1 List-A match and 1 First-class match.

In previous eras, most players would have had to play several seasons and plenty of matches, establish themselves in each format before they were picked for the national team.

Perhaps the selectors already feel that he is an exceptional talent who has the capability of being a successful international cricketer despite his lack of experience.

His game is definitely suited to the longer format & Pakistan is playing test series vs Zimbabwe so what is to fear about he will most likely get a chance in Zimbabwe series in place of Abid Ali.
Probably not going to get a chance vs Africa in ODI's & that's good.

 

[ChTab]

He has been selected and we know he won’t play so it makes even more pointless. He should be playing domestic cricket.

What domestic cricket? Domestic season in Pakistan is done & dusted with only PSL remaining & he is not picked up by any team. So it's better for him to be with the team. This is the exact thing they did with Shaheen Afridi after his good performances in U-19 they got him straight into the side where he was with the team almost all the time but mostly played T20's. It's a good approach especially when we don't have any domestic cricket going on at present.

 

[Coolcapri]

Your thoughts on the selection of Abdullah Shafique to both the ODI squad and Test squad for the tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa, despite having only played 1 List-A match and 1 First-class match.

In previous eras, most players would have had to play several seasons and plenty of matches, establish themselves in each format before they were picked for the national team.

Perhaps the selectors already feel that he is an exceptional talent who has the capability of being a successful international cricketer despite his lack of experience.

Haven seen much of him, But all the pundits & players have been saying he is highly talented, I hope the turn out right, Its the typical pak way of putting talent in the spotlight instead of polishing it and hoping it works.

 

[Coolcapri]

Everyone want him to do well and turn out to be some kind of prodigy, Is there any domestic match schedule during this tour time, maybe they selected him considering there isn't much cricket going on back home and its better he learn the trick of trade by being with the team.

 

[Coolcapri]

I do think its unfair for FC top scorer not to be selected in the team and someone having played just 1 match of fc and got selected, On one hand Mohd Wasim is saying he will reward domestic performers and on the other hand he ignore top scorer and contradicting his own statement.
If i was top scorer i will be gutted as what else you can do to get into the team.

 

[Varun]

I wonder how much his Twitter PR strategy has played a role in him getting into the limelight.

Either that or he must be the next Tendulkar.

If he's yet another busted flush or a Sohaib Maqsood style flash in the pan then what's the difference?

 

[Officer Barbrady]

He did seem to have a lot of promise in the one or two domestic games he played. It’s ok if he’s on the ride for some experience carrying drinks for now. But if they aren’t going to play him he better be playing FC cricket in the fall rather than just hanging around the team and not getting any game time

 

[Saj]

Inzi played domestic cricket and was performing there. He told that to Ashwin in his own words.

Waqar in an interview told himself that Imran saw him playing to TV. So he basically said that If I was shown as playing on TV, I must have done some good things in domestic cricket for that to happen. So he was not picked just out the blue.

Wasim is the only one.. But he was a freak of nature.

Respect the domestic system. No matter how much talented, should play at-least 10-12 matches in domestic.

Inzi was already making waves in domestic cricket for UBL where many people were talking about him as a future star.

Waqar was also playing regularly for UBL in domestic cricket.

 

[ChTab]

It's true that his selection is a bit early but the thing is we don't have any domestic cricket going around atm & because of COVID the squad has to be much bigger than the normal squad before COVID. That's the only reason he is in the side plus we're not playing test cricket against a quality side we're up against a side who made an upset by beating Afghanistan team which shows their true strength.

Abdullah will probably only play the side games on the tour which is better as compared to sitting around in the house because there is no domestic cricket atm & even if he get's his test cap it is vs Zim a lot less pressure.

 

[OMB]

I wonder how much his Twitter PR strategy has played a role in him getting into the limelight.

Either that or he must be the next Tendulkar.

If he's yet another busted flush or a Sohaib Maqsood style flash in the pan then what's the difference?

Even Tendulkar had to play in FC even after his reputation in school cricket. He was a well known name at 14 years of age with what likes of Sunny Gavaskar counselling him. He broke into the national team at 16 years of age. During the intervening period he had to work hard in FC and earn his place. Every innings even then was full of expectations.

Now that Abdullah Shafique is in, only hope that he turns out to be resilient like Tendulkar gets the strength to bear occasional failures. Back him for now

 

[Hasan123]

What domestic cricket? Domestic season in Pakistan is done & dusted with only PSL remaining & he is not picked up by any team. So it's better for him to be with the team. This is the exact thing they did with Shaheen Afridi after his good performances in U-19 they got him straight into the side where he was with the team almost all the time but mostly played T20's. It's a good approach especially when we don't have any domestic cricket going on at present.

Shaheen had shown in U19 that he was something special. I know it was only T20s, but against NZ Shafique didn't show anything special and showed he wasn't ready.

 

[ChTab]

Shaheen had shown in U19 that he was something special. I know it was only T20s, but against NZ Shafique didn't show anything special and showed he wasn't ready.

Give the kid a break. It was stupid decision from Misbah & whoever was captain in that series to play him vs NZ(away), it would've been better if he only played for Pak A in NZ, but this is perfect chance to test any youngster a debut vs Zimbabwe isn't going to be that difficult & he will have much needed exposure even if it is just by playing side matches.

 

[Hasan123]

Give the kid a break. It was stupid decision from Misbah & whoever was captain in that series to play him vs NZ(away), it would've been better if he only played for Pak A in NZ, but this is perfect chance to test any youngster a debut vs Zimbabwe isn't going to be that difficult & he will have much needed exposure even if it is just by playing side matches.

I'm not having a go at the player. I'm a blaming the selection panel for throwing him into the deep end. He clearly is not ready yet which is understandable.

It is the perfect chance to try youngsters, but if you saw the thread about Babar being unhappy with selections of players who don't have loads of domestic experience it tells you that youngsters won't really be tried in this series. Babar and Misbah want to win series to reduce pressure on them.

 

[Markhor]

Babar is being hypocritical here. On the one hand he complains players are getting fast-tracked too soon into international cricket, yet Abdullah Shafiq reportedly is his pet project despite having played 1 FC match !

 

[ataullah]

I wonder how much his Twitter PR strategy has played a role in him getting into the limelight.

Either that or he must be the next Tendulkar.

If he's yet another busted flush or a Sohaib Maqsood style flash in the pan then what's the difference?

Hes not been on twitter or at least posted or liked anything since November. I believe he's a very hard worker and talented.
Should a player be selected despite lack of domestic experience? In my view if he is exceptional then he can be selected and just stay with the squad and be groomed but not played in the starting 11. I would like to know how many 1st class games Shaheen played before being selected for Pakistan? It benefited him immensely and is the reason of his success today. In Naseem's and musa's case i think they should never have been selected but for Abdullah as there is no domestic i think its a good call so he can face international bowlers in the nets. Time will tell.

 

[Saj]

Some food for thought.

Ishan Kishan today playing his first international match after:

44 First-class matches
77 List A matches
95 T20s

 

[Savak]

Some food for thought.

Ishan Kishan today playing his first international match after:

44 First-class matches
77 List A matches
95 T20s

Some might argue unlike Pakistan, India has such an unlimited supply and options of quality batsmen that they can afford to give them a bit of ragra in domestic and other forms of cricket

 

[Savak]

Inzi was already making waves in domestic cricket for UBL where many people were talking about him as a future star.

Waqar was also playing regularly for UBL in domestic cricket.

Talk means nothing. Had IK not fast tracked both of them, they might have remained stuck in domestic cricket as we have seen with Fawad Alam and so many other players. It is not easy to get an opportunity in Pakistan Cricket. Had Miandad not picked Wasim out who was selected as a net bowler, don't you think Wasims story would have been different?

 

[BakuGM]

Talk means nothing. Had IK not fast tracked both of them, they might have remained stuck in domestic cricket as we have seen with Fawad Alam and so many other players. It is not easy to get an opportunity in Pakistan Cricket. Had Miandad not picked Wasim out who was selected as a net bowler, don't you think Wasims story would have been different?

Wasim would have been picked eventually as he was far superior to any bowler in Pakistan (I dare to say in the world) at that point in time, period. Shafique may prove me wrong but I have not seen anything to say that he is "currently" ready for international cricket.

 

[Savak]

Wasim would have been picked eventually as he was far superior to any bowler in Pakistan (I dare to say in the world) at that point in time, period. Shafique may prove me wrong but I have not seen anything to say that he is "currently" ready for international cricket.

I don't think so, there were many promising bowlers in the 90's who never got a chance to play for Pakistan. In Pakistan you need to get lucky where someone influential spots you at the right time or someone influential backs you or you end up like Fawad Alam.

 

[Saj]

Some might argue unlike Pakistan, India has such an unlimited supply and options of quality batsmen that they can afford to give them a bit of ragra in domestic and other forms of cricket

That's where the system, the quality of club cricket, the quality of junior cricket comes into play.

With the aforementioned, that would mean that you don't have to keep on throwing youngsters in at the deep end with very little domestic experience.

 

[srh]

Your thoughts on the selection of Abdullah Shafique to both the ODI squad and Test squad for the tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa, despite having only played 1 List-A match and 1 First-class match.

In previous eras, most players would have had to play several seasons and plenty of matches, establish themselves in each format before they were picked for the national team.

Perhaps the selectors already feel that he is an exceptional talent who has the capability of being a successful international cricketer despite his lack of experience.

P@rchi

 

[Junaids]

He is a huge talent, but with a single, terrible flaw against the sharply rising delivery just short of a length.

Those balls don’t happen on Pakistani wickets, against First Class medium pacers. He won’t improve playing domestic cricket.

He needs to be with the full national squad, with Shaheen and Rauf peppering him with rising deliveries at 150K in the nets.

That’s how he is going to improve.

 

[sam_ahm]

Not a good sign this, but for the sake of Pakistan cricket, I hope he comes good.

Honestly it is high time Pakistan needs to unearth some exceptional batting talent if they do not want to end up like WI or SLN. If it is Haider or Shafique or both, doesn't matter but they desperately need good batsmen.

I know Babar and Rizwan are good players but they need a strong squad, far too many weak links atm.

 

[TNAmarkFromIndia]

Some food for thought.

Ishan Kishan today playing his first international match after:

44 First-class matches
77 List A matches
95 T20s

He's also been playing for India 'A' for a few years now and been on multiple tours.

 

[Saj]

He's also been playing for India 'A' for a few years now and been on multiple tours.

Indeed.

A product that has already played a lot of cricket, played around the world, played a lot of competitive cricket, which makes the jump to international cricket easier.

 

[ChTab]

He is a huge talent, but with a single, terrible flaw against the sharply rising delivery just short of a length.

Those balls don’t happen on Pakistani wickets, against First Class medium pacers. He won’t improve playing domestic cricket.

He needs to be with the full national squad, with Shaheen and Rauf peppering him with rising deliveries at 150K in the nets.

That’s how he is going to improve.

Exactly my point plus there isn't any domestic cricket happening in Pakistan atm so basically it's a win-win situation for Pakistan because the test series where he will probably get a chance is against Zimbabwe.

 

[Bullet Drive]

I wonder how much his Twitter PR strategy has played a role in him getting into the limelight.

Either that or he must be the next Tendulkar.

If he's yet another busted flush or a Sohaib Maqsood style flash in the pan then what's the difference?

This Twitter PR thing you referring to, if that is what it takes for him to earn thousands of dollars now, and play for his country, you have to agree it's the most genius thing in the world?

 

[ChTab]

Indeed.

A product that has already played a lot of cricket, played around the world, played a lot of competitive cricket, which makes the jump to international cricket easier.

But still, he won't be able to represent India in all formats regularly because of the talent pool India has. Whereas Abdullah can be a mainstay for Pakistan NT for the next decade. So IMO it's a good idea to keep him around the squad just like what they did with Shaheen Shah 2,3 years ago. He can play in side games where he will probably face Shaheen & Hassan who are the best bowlers in Pakistan right now. This scenario will help him a lot as compared to him facing very mediocre bowlers on total flat surfaces in Pakistan.

 

[Saj]

Exactly my point plus there isn't any domestic cricket happening in Pakistan atm so basically it's a win-win situation for Pakistan because the test series where he will probably get a chance is against Zimbabwe.

Let's hope he gets a chance, given that he has been selected.

It would be a real waste of an opportunity if he just carries the drinks and towels against Zimbabwe.

 

[Omer2002]

I rather have him opening than imran butt or abid ali

 

[hur rizvi]

Let's hope he gets a chance, given that he has been selected.

It would be a real waste of an opportunity if he just carries the drinks and towels against Zimbabwe.

It's his second series after being selected. The Guys he's competing with (Abid and Butt) have miserably failed so he should be debuting against Zimbabwe

 

[Usman Chadda]

Let's hope he gets a chance, given that he has been selected.

It would be a real waste of an opportunity if he just carries the drinks and towels against Zimbabwe.

This kid’s career is being wasted at the moment. Add to that the criticism his selection is facing from all corners of the media at the moment, I can’t even begin to think his state of mind.

 

[shamaan]

I think if he is to be selected in the playing xi this is a perfect opportunity against zimbabwe if he isnt played then he must be removed from the squad.but he does have huge potential and is a hard working cricketer

 

[Shoaibbtt]

This kid’s career is being wasted at the moment. Add to that the criticism his selection is facing from all corners of the media at the moment, I can’t even begin to think his state of mind.

Well Waheed Khan was silenced today when M. Wasim give him his answer on his selection. I reckon the boy has talent and should be opening with Imran, I would've not retained Abid Ali and instead kept Kamran that way forcing them to play Abdullah.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Well Waheed Khan was silenced today when M. Wasim give him his answer on his selection. I reckon the boy has talent and should be opening with Imran, I would've not retained Abid Ali and instead kept Kamran that way forcing them to play Abdullah.

He should be playing cricket games to improve on his match awareness and temperament. Being carried around in the nets will do him no good. This is one selection I believe Wasim is getting wrong.

 

[BigShak]

He should be playing cricket games to improve on his match awareness and temperament. Being carried around in the nets will do him no good. This is one selection I believe Wasim is getting wrong.

The domestic season is over. There are no other cricket games going on so the next best thing is for him to be training with the national side. The biggest mistake made was picking him for the Zimbabwe home series and NZ tour for him to only play a handful of T20 games when he would have got so much more out of playing a full season of QeA trophy. Misbah really did not think that one through when he picked those squads and the likes of Abdullah and Gohar ended up missing out on ridiculous amounts of cricket just to warm the bench for the national side.

 

[Suleiman]

Being selected with little to no FC experience, only way this is justifiable is if each of his outside edges go for six and all of his defensive pushes go for 4. Otherwise, inexcusable.

I blame Imran Khan for this partly because he spread misinformation that he plucked Inzimam and Wasim Akram off the streets or something and viola! When actually they had FC experience under their belt. Now all these wannabe hip MBA from England PCB personnel are trying to replicate this with absolutely zero logic.

 

[shah_1]

Being selected with little to no FC experience, only way this is justifiable is if each of his outside edges go for six and all of his defensive pushes go for 4. Otherwise, inexcusable.

I blame Imran Khan for this partly because he spread misinformation that he plucked Inzimam and Wasim Akram off the streets or something and viola! When actually they had FC experience under their belt. Now all these wannabe hip MBA from England PCB personnel are trying to replicate this with absolutely zero logic.

Wasim Akram played three first FC matches before debuting for Pakistan.

His first FC match was against NZ in which he took 9 wickets.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

He should be playing cricket games to improve on his match awareness and temperament. Being carried around in the nets will do him no good. This is one selection I believe Wasim is getting wrong.

Are you referring to Kamran or Abdullah?

 

[Saj]

Wasim Akram played three first FC matches before debuting for Pakistan.

His first FC match was against NZ in which he took 9 wickets.

You are talking about an all-time legend, a freak.

If Shafique has even a fraction of Wasim's talent and skill, that will be great for Pakistan cricket.

 

[Bullet Drive]

Hafeez rates him VERY highly. And Hafeez never talks about a player.

Misbah rates him VERY VERY highly.

Mohammed Wasim rates him VERY VERY highly.

Babar Azam rates him very highly.

If you watch Abdullah bat for 5 mins in a game, and you can't realise the amount of ability he has, then cricket is the wrong sport for you.

YES he was selected too early, I myself didn't want him picked until after 20 first-class games where he averaged at least 40+

But the guy has the potential to be one of Pakistan's best ever batsman.

 

[world cup captain]

Hafeez rates him VERY highly. And Hafeez never talks about a player.

Misbah rates him VERY VERY highly.

Mohammed Wasim rates him VERY VERY highly.

Babar Azam rates him very highly.

If you watch Abdullah bat for 5 mins in a game, and you can't realise the amount of ability he has, then cricket is the wrong sport for you.

YES he was selected too early, I myself didn't want him picked until after 20 first-class games where he averaged at least 40+

But the guy has the potential to be one of Pakistan's best ever batsman.

He does look very composed which is uncanny for a Pakistani batsman. Although I am not sure about his mental toughness. Hopefully, he isn't like Babar and only gets soft runs.

 

[Bullet Drive]

He does look very composed which is uncanny for a Pakistani batsman. Although I am not sure about his mental toughness. Hopefully, he isn't like Babar and only gets soft runs.

Mentally very tough.

In his first ever game he chased down 200 and scored a not out 100

Don't think Babar even has a 50 chasing 200+ in a winning cause.....

 

[MenInG]

Mohammad Wasim on Abdullah Shafique:

PakPassion.net: To be picked after playing just 1 First-class match and 1 List-A match is a rare occurrence. What do you see that is special in Abdullah Shafique?

Mohammad Wasim: Abdullah was very impressive when we saw him in the Under-19s. He was also part of the Pakistan Super League and we were impressed by the way he played red-ball 3-day cricket at the domestic level and then the way he played in First-class cricket when he got a chance. Technically he is very sound, and he has a lot of potential and wherever he has played he has impressed everyone.

Technically he is also very solid which is important given the fact that we are lacking in good opening batsmen. Even in First-class cricket there aren’t any stand-out openers as most of the top run-scorers in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy were middle-order batsmen. We’ve looked at this guy and we feel that he is someone who we can invest in and who has potential. I hope that over the course of time he will prove his worth.