[EXCLUSIVE] "Mohammad Abbas was unfairly sidelined by the selectors": Atiq-uz-Zaman

[FearlessRoar]

Former Pakistan Test cricketer Atiq-uz-Zaman, a Level 4 ECB-qualified coach and the former head coach of the German Cricket Team, joined PakPassion for another exclusive interview with Saj. A regular contributor to PakPassion, he shared insights on key issues affecting the team, such as fielding lapses, tactical mistakes and the struggles of Pakistani bowlers against tailenders.

Atiq also criticized the selection committee for mishandling Mohammad Abbas and emphasized the need for better adaptability in Test cricket. He noted that reckless batting holds Pakistan back and that Shan Masood's captaincy requires more proactive decision-making. He pointed out that Pakistan’s training methods are not adequately preparing players for real match scenarios.

Main topics covered in this interview:

First Test vs South Africa: He reflects on Pakistan's performance in the opening Test against South Africa, pointing out crucial areas where the team fell short and highlighting key moments that influenced the outcome.

Unfairness with Mohammad Abbas: Discusses the sidelining of Mohammad Abbas, criticizing the selection committee for overlooking his potential, and suggests how his skills could have been more effectively utilized during key moments of the series.

Pakistan’s Batting: Sheds light on the recurring issue of Pakistan’s inconsistent batting performances, emphasizing the need for better technical discipline and adaptability in their approach to Test cricket.

Pakistan’s Team Selection: Critiques the team selection, questioning some of the decisions made by the management and selection committee, and advocates for a more strategic and thoughtful approach to picking players for future series.

Watch the full interview here:

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Atiq is right about Mohammad Abbas, just felt for him like Mohammad Ali the boxer three precious years of international cricket was erased from his career.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Atiq is right about Mohammad Abbas, just felt for him like Mohammad Ali the boxer three precious years of international cricket was erased from his career.

Abbas was bowling like 120k and sometimes even below that by the time he was dropped. Shaheen was at his peak at the time, Hasan Ali came back firing in all cylinders in his comeback and Naseem Shah was on the rise at the time.

His last series came in WI and after that Pakistan played in conditions like Bangladesh where spin was needed and then bunch of Tests in flat Pakistani conditions (Abbas 120k wouldn't be doing much in that) & spinning SL conditions. Pakistani bowling was decent enough in Australia. SA made sense because at least the conditions could suit him.

Pakistan are now due to play at home for rest of the year so does it make sense for Abbas to play in those conditions? No, absolutely not and there is nothing wrong with that. He is not an all condition bowler.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Abbas WAS unfairly sidelined. that is true. Abbas has been performing for a long time in counties and domestic but it took him long time to make a comeback. He did better job on his comeback than Naseem TBH. I think he should be given fair run before he can say good bye to this format.

 

[FearlessRoar]

In yet another instance of unfair treatment, Mohammad Abbas has been dropped from the Pakistan Test squad for the two-match series against the West Indies.

 

[Savak]

Abbas is not an all conditions bowler. On flat wickets his 120-123 km/hr line length bowling is useless and he can't be used with the older ball in the middle overs.