Babar Azam reportedly unhappy with selection for the T20 World Cup squad [PCB Denies]

[Sher Khan]

Reports claiming that captain Babar Azam is very unhappy with the selection of Azam Khan and Sohaib Maqsood in particular....

According to sources

1. Babar Azam wanted Sharjeel Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Faheem Ashraf and Usman Qadir

2. Ramiz replaced them with Asif Ali, Khushdil Shah, Azam Khan and Sohaib Maqsood as he felt that even if one of them performed well, Pakistan would win the T20 World Cup

===
Source as below (added by Mod)

Babar Azam unhappy with squad announced for T20 WC

Pakistani skipper Babar Azam is reportedly not happy with the squad announced for the upcoming series with New Zealand and England, and ICC T20 World Cup, sources said.

The sources further said that the board did not consult Babar during the selection process.

Babar is not happy with the inclusion of Azam Khan and Shoaib Maqsood in the squad.

The sources sai that the chief selector Muhammad Wasim added Azam and Maqsood after consulting with Ramiz Raja – currently in line to be the next chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Skipper wanted Fakhar Zaman and Faheem Ashraf in place of Azam and Maqsood.

According to sources, Babar tried to get in touch with Ramiz, but he was not answered.

The board sent a message to the skipper to focus on his own performance rather than worrying about which players to be included and which not.

Earlier, Misbah ul Haq (head coach) and Waqar Younis (bowling coach) stepped down from their positions due to the rising conflict with the board on team selection.

Misbah was also not in favor of the inclusion of Azam Khan in the squad. He reportedly had an argument over the team selection with the PCB CEO Wasim Khan.

The 15-man squad for T20 WC

Babar Azam (c)
Shadab Khan (vc)
Asif Ali
Azam Khan (wk)
Haris Rauf
Hasan Ali
Imad Wasim
Khushdil Shah
Mohammad Hafeez
Mohammad Hasnain
Mohammad Nawaz
Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
Mohammad Wasim Jnr
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Sohaib Maqsood
Traveling reserves

Fakhar Zaman
Shahnawaz Dahani
Usman Qadir

https://www.bolnews.com/latest/2021/09/babar-azam-unhappy-with-squad-announced-for-t20-wc/

 

[dildilpak]

If true, this is a beyond ridiculous situation. How can you not take the captain/coach’s inputs before selecting a team for a WC? Wth is going on in Pak cricket?

 

[Sher Khan]

This situation is weird. It seems like Wasim has selected the team himself without any input from coach or captain. To me it makes sense now why Misbah retired suddenly.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Babar is a dummy captain, and will always remain as one.

To get what you want you HAVE to play dirty. Babar could’ve had the players he wanted had he threatened the CS by leaking info to journalists, use the media as a tool.

It’s clear that Ramiz wanted Asif Ali back, and I’m unsure why. There’s not one time where Ramiz has sat in the commentary box, and praised Asif Ali for his batting.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Azam’s selection is suspicious. Dislike Misbah to the core, but if he really did stand up to the selection committee on this blatant case of nepotism, he should get respect for that.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

If he is not happy then time for one more resignation.this one will surely move everything in PCB circles.

 

[Yk313]

Money where mouth is. Captains with less star power and certainty of inclusion have done it before him.

One press conference to say this is not the squad he wanted. Given his relative position neither Imran, nor Ramiz can do anything.

Saying this second or third time this year, time for him to be his own man and show some spine re. selections.

 

[Rana]

If he is not happy then time for one more resignation.this one will surely move everything in PCB circles.

No it will not. Babar is a Misbah yes guy too

 

[b.lesner]

there are Reports doing rounds in news that Babar is unhappy that Ramiz changed his squad , Babar had Sharjeel , Fakhar , Usman Qadir and Fahim Ashraf in original squad but Ramiz changed it and put Asif Ali name.

i am sure now Ramiz will be new chief selector and any chief selector will his puppet.

 

[b.lesner]

Ramiz is the new chief selector and any chief selector will be his puppet. we know his judgements whenever he asks some young player question "baday chakkay mar sakhtay hai" translates can you hit big sixes

 

[Rana]

I think PCB have messed this up by changing the chairman at the wrong time. This should have been done after the T20 World Cup.

 

[Major]

Keep crying babar.

Either come out and speak up or just sit and whine. And when you loss the world t20 face thr comitittee that will be infront of you.

No point of crying if you dont have the guts to speak up in public becaude of you feeling insecure about your job.

In principle, babar, shadab and rizwan all three should join and say we not going to the world t20 if the chief selector selects a squad based on what a particular member of gocern board wants. Rameez is not even chairman yet

 

[Major]

I think PCB have messed this up by changing the chairman at the wrong time. This should have been done after the T20 World Cup.

Patron in chief messed it up.

 

[Varun]

How does every second poster have access to these hearsay "reports"??

 

[hb787]

How does every second poster have access to these hearsay "reports"??

the report is all over the news channels.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Anybody who can select Azam Khan for international cricket is clearly not fit for a position on a modern cricket board.

I don't know if its Mohammed Wasim or Rameez Raja who included this slouch but to me it's the biggest indication that Pakistan is on a downward slope.

 

[Gullycricket]

Babar is another Misbah. He wanted Malik also at one point. We were not winning anything with Babar preferred team too. So Rambo just made sure that it goes to the extremes. Fakhar or Sharjeel don't fit in this team since opening is blocked. As for Asif and Khushdil they have scored in KPL and are in form. Anyways mostly Babar,Rizz and Hafeez will need to hold ends. Others can go crazy.

 

[Shafi]

This guy is not a captain material with no leadership quality. Players like this will not give us any trophy. PCB should make Rizwan captain who has hunger for success and more attacking mindset. Babar is like crawling plant who doesn't have his own personality rather than work as a dummy.

 

[mrtaim3]

Will he ever stop whining and do something practical?

 

[TheSultan]

Let’s hope he resigns in protest too. We could do with a more dynamic captain. Babar seems to sleepy for the role

 

[b.lesner]

Remember Hafeez said that his 12 yrs old son had more cricketing knowledge than Ramiz Raja

 

[Rana]

Babar is another Misbah. He wanted Malik also at one point. We were not winning anything with Babar preferred team too. So Rambo just made sure that it goes to the extremes. Fakhar or Sharjeel don't fit in this team since opening is blocked. As for Asif and Khushdil they have scored in KPL and are in form. Anyways mostly Babar,Rizz and Hafeez will need to hold ends. Others can go crazy.

And why is opening blocked???!! Because we need that token opening stand of Babar and Rizwan???

 

[Greenstorm]

So has Babar moved on from his Malik obsession ? I can understand his demand for Fakhar but Faheem and Sharjeel ?

Babar won't remain captain for long if he keeps up these antics. PCB has better options than Mr Softie.

 

[Greenstorm]

Babar is another Misbah. He wanted Malik also at one point. We were not winning anything with Babar preferred team too. So Rambo just made sure that it goes to the extremes. Fakhar or Sharjeel don't fit in this team since opening is blocked. As for Asif and Khushdil they have scored in KPL and are in form. Anyways mostly Babar,Rizz and Hafeez will need to hold ends. Others can go crazy.

This. Ramiz has done the right thing by shaking things up. This Misbah-Babar combo was leading us nowhere. Rambo has already taken care of Misbah. Babar should get in line as well.

 

[Rafa]

Considering the drama that is happening around the team selection before the WC, won't be surprised it Pakistan team has a horrible outing during the tournament and get ousted in their first round.

 

[Rana]

15 years from now, we will look back and discuss how stupid the PCB were when choosing to open with Babar and Rizwan, even though they had the option of trying Fakhar and Sharjeel

 

[Greenstorm]

15 years from now, we will look back and discuss how stupid the PCB were when choosing to open with Babar and Rizwan, even though they had the option of trying Fakhar and Sharjeel

Both Fakhar and Sharjeel are useless in UAE. Sharjeel is finished anyways.

I used to be critical of Babar and Rizwan opening but I have realized that they are the best we've got, specially in UAE.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Is Azam Khan actually producing any performances to justify his repeated selections? He had a poor PSL, and I have seen nothing in a Pakistan shirt when he's been picked either. International commentators can barely surpress their laughter at his efforts in the field.

 

[srh]

Babar better show guts this time or else will be remembered as a yes man captain

 

[Greenstorm]

Is Azam Khan actually producing any performances to justify his repeated selections? He had a poor PSL, and I have seen nothing in a Pakistan shirt when he's been picked either. International commentators can barely surpress their laughter at his efforts in the field.

 

[Hawkeye]

Azam’s selection is suspicious. Dislike Misbah to the core, but if he really did stand up to the selection committee on this blatant case of nepotism, he should get respect for that.

Glad you finally spoke up the right thing.

Gotta salute Misbah for standing up to this rubbish selection policy.

 

[Titan24]

Reports amongst media houses and some journalists keep on appearing for every series and squad selection. Week or so ago “reportedly” Ramiz gave full authority to Babar to select squad of his liking as per some. So we will have to take this with a pinch of salt as well.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Was this the same game where he should’ve been out for 0 after top edging it to 3rd man and where he was dropped on 30 odd?

 

[Greenstorm]

Was this the same game where he should’ve been out for 0 after top edging it to 3rd man and where he was dropped on 30 odd?

Should've been would've been is not how the performances are viewed. Pakistan would not have won CT 17 if not for that no ball.

 

[Rana]

Why is Babar crying now that he doesn’t have Fakhar/Sharjeel when he had no plan for them?

That’s right! Why is Babar Azam apparently upset at the exclusion of Fakhar Zaman and Sharjeel Khan when he himself did absolutely nothing to make sure that these two are actually utilised in the correct way?

Time after time, him and Rizwan opened the batting and ensured they would get their pointless 50s, with no real middle order because they were too greedy and wanted to bat in the power play. They had a simple task of opening with Fakhar and Sharjeel, and then build a strong core middle order with Hafeez, Babar and Rizwan if you like but no!

So why is he crying now that Fakhar and Sharjeel are not considered useful for the last 15? They genuinely have no role if that’s how you want to go with Babar and Rizwan as your openers, whilst hoping they give you a 100 run partnership in 14 overs every time so the remainder can add 70-80 runs

 

[ARK Rafay]

If Babar feels unhappy he needs to step up and do something about it. He will be held responsible and will feel unsatisfactory when this team gets knocked out in the WT20 early. He has to at least protest to get the team that he wants for the WC

 

[Abdurmirr]

Doesn't have the capacity for leadership

Any captain that isn't bold enough to demand the squad he envisions - regardless of whether it's a good or bad selection- doesn't deserve to be leading from the front. Considering how prolific the name Babar Azam is becoming within Pakistan cricket, he should definitely being the one making all the big calls instead of being bullied by chief selectors

 

[Majid Khan]

Sharjeel and Fakhar are only worth a place if they are openers in T20 team — but with Babar and Fakhar being irreplaceable as an opening pair, what do Fakhar and Sharjeel offer that Asif Ali or Maqsood can’t (eg, quickfire 25-30 on good days and 0-10 on other days) , who are also more accustomed to batting in middle order ?

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Should take a firm stand now cause there seems no resolution of this behind closed doors. Wasim Khan said as long as I am there, Babar will remain the captain. He should support Babar now.

M Wasim is a lizard who just creeped into the system and now isn't going anywhere.

If a captain can't have a team he wants, anyone can do the field placings and bowling changes with autopilot.

 

[Zaz]

This seems a little too late

Babar shouldve demanded his own choice weeks ago Any other strong captain wouldve Not sat there later crying no one spoke to me You make and take these opportunities yourself

Any other person in his shoes the best player in a poor team with no other real captaincy options wouldve utilised this opportunity to his advantage and threatened to resign if he wasnt listened to

 

[Asif321]

Asif, Khushdil, Azam , Nawaz are total waste of selection
Malik could easily fit in this line up . Definitely qadir, Faheem and one of fakhar/Sharjeel should have been in squad .

 

[UzmanBeast]

One or two changes is fine on Ramiz's behalf.

4 changes means that you need to speak with the captain and come to a compromise.

Babar and Rizwan will be under even more pressure now.

I have a feeling Ramiz doesn't like Babar as a captain and is probably looking for an excuse to remove him.

 

[Titan24]

Sharjeel and Fakhar are only worth a place if they are openers in T20 team — but with Babar and Fakhar being irreplaceable as an opening pair, what do Fakhar and Sharjeel offer that Asif Ali or Maqsood can’t (eg, quickfire 25-30 on good days and 0-10 on other days) , who are also more accustomed to batting in middle order ?

I agree. Sharjeel batted in 3 innings in 3 series which clearly meant he is not a necessity for the current team strategy, same is the case with Fakhar who was being played out of his position (He didnt even play much in the middle order in domestic cricket). If they were so important for the team then they should have played more or incase of Fakhar in the position he was used to batting at.

Clear way to induct one of them was for Babar to move one down which he did here and there. If they thought that Babar and Rizwan are the best option we have to open the batting then fair enough but, no point in carrying two extra openers in a 15 man squad. Yes we can argue that one of them could have been there but, 2 extra ones would have been clearly pointless and its better to go with proper middle order batsmen irrespective of their quality.

 

[Oneking]

I agree with you, but do you think it’s only Babar to bland for it ? At one point team was being selected with 4-5 openers, with no misleading order batsmen. If babar and Rizwan wanted to continue opening then team management should make sure they solid middle order batsmen

 

[Barragan]

Except for the Maqsood and qadir part, I agree with him.

qadir is mediocre and Nawaz is a far better option.

 

[Cryin Out Loud]

Is Babar unhappy enough to speak up about it and/or resign his position?

If not, then he’s not unhappy enough and it’s all good.

 

[Tubs]

Why does everything related to Pakistan cricket get leaked?

 

[Bewal Express]

The players Babar wanted bar FZ are rubbish and the players picked ahead of them are also rubbish.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Remember Hafeez said that his 12 yrs old son had more cricketing knowledge than Ramiz Raja

I called it before and said Ramiz would make a great chairman unless if he pokes his nose in other people's business then it's a cause for chaos.

Say what you want about M. Waseem but that squad stunk of interference from someone else and that someone was Ramiz. I'd ask someone to go and compare/contrast the ODI squad to this squad and you can tell a certain man's thinking was not applied.

Only thing this squad needs is a reliable bat, I may not like him but i'd add either of Shan Masood or Iftikhar Ahmed in place of Asif Ali. I will be curious to see how Khushdil performs and if he does then he stays in place of Iftikhar.

Otherwise, this team in my view has more than enough bowling capacity.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Except for the Maqsood and qadir part, I agree with him.

qadir is mediocre and Nawaz is a far better option.

I would persist with Moqsood, he hits some big shots and think that the UAE/Asian pitches are a perfect fit for him.

Qadir is waaaay too expensive in my eyes, Shadab is better than him. Nawaz gets a lot of flack so i would possibly stick with him and Imad else if Nawaz is placed in reserve for Imad i will be good with that.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Should've been would've been is not how the performances are viewed. Pakistan would not have won CT 17 if not for that no ball.

People still call Fakhar’s CT17 innings as lucky though, and the same should be said for this innings of Azam Khan’s.

 

[Rana]

I would persist with Moqsood, he hits some big shots and think that the UAE/Asian pitches are a perfect fit for him.

Qadir is waaaay too expensive in my eyes, Shadab is better than him. Nawaz gets a lot of flack so i would possibly stick with him and Imad else if Nawaz is placed in reserve for Imad i will be good with that.

Maqsood is a liability in the field

 

[Varun]

Considering the drama that is happening around the team selection before the WC, won't be surprised it Pakistan team has a horrible outing during the tournament and get ousted in their first round.

Or they win the whole thing, typical Pakistan style.

 

[Sherlock]

People blaming Wasim and yet teh above states, if true, Ramiz is the one doing the selecting.

From a guy that couldn't tell you more than 2 players names from domestic circles, to now picking and choosing players for the WC.

 

[Major]

People blaming Wasim and yet teh above states, if true, Ramiz is the one doing the selecting.

From a guy that couldn't tell you more than 2 players names from domestic circles, to now picking and choosing players for the WC.

at the end of the day Waseem is responsible. The chief selector signs off the squad not the chairman.

 

[Major]

Except for the Maqsood and qadir part, I agree with him.

qadir is mediocre and Nawaz is a far better option.

Look, babar is the captain. If he wants any player than that should be given to him. If he could utilize them than thats good.

Babar knows asif ali wont do anything, and if asif ali doesnt perform, it babar who would be at lisk losing his captaincy. Because a player not performing means you lose.

Had Babar chosen this squad, i would had not have any issue because hes the one who will lead them in the ground, and captains have their preferences.

Ponting had peter Siddle, sarfraz had anwar ali, Misbah had Azhar...

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Maqsood is a liability in the field

He's there for his batting first. He hits well and we'd be silly to not utilise him in these conditions which he's had experience on and performed.

You guys judge too quick, based on one or two matches we've gotta persist with these guys now.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

at the end of the day Waseem is responsible. The chief selector signs off the squad not the chairman.

Incorrect the chairman signs it off.

 

[Major]

Incorrect the chairman signs it off.

nope. The CS signs it off. Chairman only has to give approval. He cannot have any say or any input. He can have questions but chairman is not allowed to make selections

 

[Shoaibbtt]

nope. The CS signs it off. Chairman only has to give approval. He cannot have any say or any input. He can have questions but chairman is not allowed to make selections

Then what's all the rumours i'm hearing that it was Ramiz that had a say in some of these selections?

 

[Major]

Then what's all the rumours i'm hearing that it was Ramiz that had a say in some of these selections?

rameez asked for the changes and m. wasim said ok. Basically he bowed down to him probably becuase he doesnt want to lose his job

 

[Devadwal]

Misbah Sab Naraz.
Waqar Sab Naraz.
Babar Azam Naraz.
Fans Be Naraz.

Khush Kon Hai Is Team Se?

 

[Ummii]

Babar is a dummy captain, and will always remain as one.

To get what you want you HAVE to play dirty. Babar could’ve had the players he wanted had he threatened the CS by leaking info to journalists, use the media as a tool.

It’s clear that Ramiz wanted Asif Ali back, and I’m unsure why. There’s not one time where Ramiz has sat in the commentary box, and praised Asif Ali for his batting.

At least he is better than our previous kaptaan in terms of raising his voice regarding to his concerns. How many times he raised his voice under such circumstances, certainly this is not the first time things got messed up with PCB

 

[YousafTheBeast]

At least he is better than our previous kaptaan in terms of raising his voice regarding to his concerns. How many times he raised his voice under such circumstances, certainly this is not the first time things got messed up with PCB

Forget Sarfaraz, he’s gone so we should move on from him and focus on the current state of Pakistan cricket.

Actions speak louder than words. Babar could’ve held a meeting with Ramiz and Mo Wasim and told them if he didn’t get his squad then he’d resign from captaincy. He can still do something, we’ll have to wait and see till the 10th October.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Whoever selected this squad should tell Babar that 'aapne ghabrana nahi hai'.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Forget Sarfaraz, he’s gone so we should move on from him and focus on the current state of Pakistan cricket.

Actions speak louder than words. Babar could’ve held a meeting with Ramiz and Mo Wasim and told them if he didn’t get his squad then he’d resign from captaincy. He can still do something, we’ll have to wait and see till the 10th October.

You need a strong guy to demand things like these. Had this been Shahid Afridi/Wasim Akram/Inzi they would have definitely put pressure on PCB to change their decision.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

rameez asked for the changes and m. wasim said ok. Basically he bowed down to him probably becuase he doesnt want to lose his job

So you just proved my point there, Rameez looked at it, didn't approve and wanted his changes applied so he edited it.

 

[Major]

So you just proved my point there, Rameez looked at it, didn't approve and wanted his changes applied so he edited it.

You are not understanding my point.

Chairman is not allowed to say select so and so, he is only required to approve it. Disapproval could be in terms of legality of someones selection etc. But chairman is not allowed to say you should select so and so.

This is why M.Wasim is at fault that Rameez said select soo and so when he is not even allowed to and M.Wasim just said ok.

 

[iniqbal223]

Both Fakhar and Sharjeel are useless in UAE. Sharjeel is finished anyways.

I used to be critical of Babar and Rizwan opening but I have realized that they are the best we've got, specially in UAE.

Without even playing them together? How delusional some of our fans are..

 

[iniqbal223]

Misbah Sab Naraz.
Waqar Sab Naraz.
Babar Azam Naraz.
Fans Be Naraz.

Khush Kon Hai Is Team Se?

Chief selector Wasim

 

[YousafTheBeast]

You need a strong guy to demand things like these. Had this been Shahid Afridi/Wasim Akram/Inzi they would have definitely put pressure on PCB to change their decision.

Babar has a lot of power, he just doesn’t know how to use it. There’s no way Rameez would allow Babar to resign as captain, it would put Rameez in a bad light, and he’d be forced to listen to Babar.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

You are not understanding my point.

Chairman is not allowed to say select so and so, he is only required to approve it. Disapproval could be in terms of legality of someones selection etc. But chairman is not allowed to say you should select so and so.

This is why M.Wasim is at fault that Rameez said select soo and so when he is not even allowed to and M.Wasim just said ok.

I'm sorry dude but i think we are getting lost in translation here. If Rameez has requested certain changes to be applied then what does that mean?? He has higher authority than the chief selector. Reports have stated that M. Waseem is not happy either.

 

[Major]

I'm sorry dude but i think we are getting lost in translation here. If Rameez has requested certain changes to be applied then what does that mean?? He has higher authority than the chief selector. Reports have stated that M. Waseem is not happy either.

He has authority in terms of firing M.Wasim or anyone in the organization. However the selection of the team falls under the responsibility of M.Wasim only.
When Najem Sethi was Chairman, he asked Inzi why Fawad Alam was not being selected. Sethi never forced him as it was not allowed and Inazamam was under no obligation to follow any selection Sethi wanted. Inzamam told him the reason that for so and so reason he wasnt selected.

Even in terms of approval, the current squad cannot even be approved by Rameez. Wasim Khan could sign it off as he is the acting chairman.

Once Rameez does become chairman, he cannot say select so and so player. Problem is this is Pakistani culture. To save your own job etc you end up approving certain things.

 

[Walawalkar]

According to some reports in the Pakistani media, Mohammad Rizwan is likely to replace Babar Azam as the new test captain of Pakistan.

Is this true ??

 

[Shoaibbtt]

According to some reports in the Pakistani media, Mohammad Rizwan is likely to replace Babar Azam as the new test captain of Pakistan.

Is this true ??

Doubt it Babar is doing a good job

 

[hb787]

According to some reports in the Pakistani media, Mohammad Rizwan is likely to replace Babar Azam as the new test captain of Pakistan.

Is this true ??

Read the same. This is turning out to be quite a circus. I agree with the appointment but don't do it now. After WCT20.

 

[Walawalkar]

Read the same. This is turning out to be quite a circus. I agree with the appointment but don't do it now. After WCT20.

Babar is doing pretty decent job as captain..hope it's not true..

 

[shamaan]

This situation is weird. It seems like Wasim has selected the team himself without any input from coach or captain. To me it makes sense now why Misbah retired suddenly.

Ramiz selected some players am pretty sure.

 

[Walawalkar]

Doubt it Babar is doing a good job

Agree..will be disastrous decision if it's true

 

[shamaan]

Babar is a dummy captain, and will always remain as one.

To get what you want you HAVE to play dirty. Babar could’ve had the players he wanted had he threatened the CS by leaking info to journalists, use the media as a tool.

It’s clear that Ramiz wanted Asif Ali back, and I’m unsure why. There’s not one time where Ramiz has sat in the commentary box, and praised Asif Ali for his batting.

Thiers no way asif ali would have been picked if it was Babar squad didn't you see the incident when he went crazy at asif ali