"None of the selectors have approached me to explain the reason for my exclusion" : Fawad Alam

[Abdullah719]

"None of the selectors have approached me to explain the reason for my exclusion" : Fawad Alam

Fawad Alam speaking in an interview:

"I am not sure what the issue is but being one of the top 10 performers in domestic cricket I am still not included in the team"

"Its not clear why that happens and its very tough for any player to understand why this is"

"As a player you have no idea why you have been excluded; is it because of performance or is it because of fitness?"

"Is it because of personal like/dislike that one has been excluded? One can never tell"

"None of the selectors have approached me to explain the reason for my exclusion"

"I met Shahryar Khan recently and he told me that I am in the minds of selectors"

"He said that I am one of the best batsman and am standing at the door of selection"

"I fail to understand that if there are some issues then why would the chairman make such statements?"

"What can I ask the selectors when the PCB Chairman is making such favourable statements about me on the media?"

"I am not that big a personality to ask 'mujhay kiyon nikala'"

"What I will do instead is to ask The Almighty for an answer"

"It seems that Fawad Alam is never given a chance when others are given chances for similar or worse performances"

"No one has ever spoken to me about any involvement in match-fixing and Alhamdulillah my career is completely clear of any such thing"

"If this allegation was true than the media would not have let it slip nor would the selectors/PCB have ignored it"

"Sometimes, one feels like saying what is this happening to me and giving it all up and moving on"

"I will never burn and disrespect my bat which has given me so much fame"

"I can't leave cricket as this is my bread and butter and I am employed by department as well"

"If I am given the opportunity, I will ask Mr. Sethi about this situation as it is logical for one to ask"

"I have great respect for Inzamam-ul-Haq who has been a great player for Pakistan and I do not want to challenge or disrespect him by asking why I have been excluded"

"All I can say is that other players have made comebacks so one day Fawad Alam will also make his comeback"

"There is no connection with the retirements of Misbah and YK as even when they were there and there were vacancies, I was not given a chance - when Azhar began opening, other times when YK was unfit/ill, I was still not asked to play so I think these are all excuses for not playing me"

"I am a little tired of being asked about playing now when both have retired as there is no connection with them"

"There were international debuts at the time when both were playing so even then there were places in the team"

"It was said in One-Days also that I will get a chance as they had both retired but it didnt happen"

"If I had an issue with any player (Misbah) then that would have come out in the open due to media"

"Misbah would blame someone else for my exclusion as seems to be the case where everyone blames everyone else; no one has a proper answer"

 

[Abdul]

I do feel bad for him especially when you see that the likes of Shan Masood and Ahmed Shehzad keep getting chances. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him because he has stayed fairy quite all these years despite the fact he has been treated very harshly but he's just too old now and has probably also lost the motivation to score runs.

Don't think he would survive against better bowling attacks even if he makes the team again, so it'd be best for him if he just stays out.

 

[Zaz]

Well hes right n i totally understand his frustration when people with less hard yards and runs get picked over him year after year

Surely someone over the years shouldve spoken to him with any issues they had with him or his technique

 

[The_Odd_One]

He has played only 3 tests so far despite belonging to a country which has not produced a world class batsman in over a decade truely reflects how badly he has been treated.

 

[KyoOne]

Despite all these snubs, he's still not whining. Shows the class and maturity the guy has in himself!

Wish he was never dropped for failing in that one test in Kiwi conditions. He's never seen himself in the test team again.

His ODI exclusion was also unjustified, but his continual exclusion from tests is even more baffling. He does have appetite for runs still, hope he tops the charts yet again next season and is finally selected by the new selection committee for the next tour

 

[the Great Khan]

Simple fact is he doesn't hit a lovely cover drive like amin. He is a player who has a weird technique but scores buckets of runs. Yet because he doesn't look like what the pundits think a batsman should look like, they ignore him. End of. The simple fact is, without him our middle order looks very brittle on tests. He could do a job for us. If given a chance...

 

[Abdullah719]

He does seem rather disheartened but still looks to be willing to fight on without really moaning and complaining so respect to him for that.

 

[Bilal7]

Someone tell him that the selectors cannot give every promising middle-order batsman a chance. He'll get his shot eventually and until then he should keep honing his skills and not come across as conceited and bitter.

 

[mak36]

Bottom line is this: Mickey wants to build a young team that will leave a lasting legacy. Fawad's time has gone- time he accepted it.

 

[Abdullah719]

Someone tell him that the selectors cannot give every promising middle-order batsman a chance. He'll get his shot eventually and until then he should keep honing his skills and not come across as conceited and bitter.

How does he come across as conceited and bitter?

 

[Poutine]

Someone tell him that the selectors cannot give every promising middle-order batsman a chance. He'll get his shot eventually and until then he should keep honing his skills and not come across as conceited and bitter.

Fawad isn't some new promising batsman though , he has been performing at domestic cricket for almost 14 years and has one of the best FC record for a Pakistani batsman ever. If they won't selected him, he at least deserves to know why.

As for coming across as bitter, he has been mistreated for a long time now but still seems disheartened rather than angry. Compare that to Akmal who created an uproar because he was dropped after failing several fitness tests.

 

[Sherlock]

Players in Pakistan will be looking at how the PCB have treated him and think why even bother performing in the domestic circuit if it means I won't be picked again.

The only reason for his expulsion I can see is the uni-bro. No other reason.

 

[kingusama92]

He's the only player who deserves to whinge as much as he wants.

Horrible mistreatment.

 

[waleed88]

I'm really sorry Fawad Alam... I as a fan of Pakistan cricket would like to apologize to you for the treatment you received. It really breaks my heart to see you like this. You didn't deserve to be treated like this. You could've been a great for the country, but alas this is the sort of treatment you have received makes you really doubt everything a person should stand for in his life.
I think because of this whole scenario and misfortunes, you should just retire or probably settle in the UK, because being a Pakistani has brought you nothing but disrespect and tragedies. If you retire it will send out a statement of shock throughout the cricketing world, I think you should do that to make the right noise. You have been seriously mentally affected by continuous rejections, and I would suggest its not worth hurting yourself over and over for this. This disheartening will affect you mentally and I fear the trauma you have suffered mentally as a human being.

 

[waleed88]

If Misbah's life was tragic, Fawad's life make it seem like a cakewalk, as he has been a top performer for a much longer time than Misbah.. unfortunately there are no tragedies happening in our cricket that we need the helping hand of a 36 year old captain to take us ashore

 

[zn426]

I think Fawad Alam has every right to ask. I'm sad that he's scared to approach Inzi and ask "why am I not being selected?" At the very least he can be given a straight answer "well, you have such and such weakness in your game, you haven't performed in previous LOI series, etc.". Those are just ideas, but Inzi owes him an answer.

 

[The_Odd_One]

Someone tell him that the selectors cannot give every promising middle-order batsman a chance. He'll get his shot eventually and until then he should keep honing his skills and not come across as conceited and bitter.

He has been hearing the same thing for almost a decade now. When will he get his chance when he's 40?

 

[Syed1]

He has been hard done by and something tells me it is because of where he hails from. Meanwhile guys like Shehzad and Masood can keep getting selected because a certain lobby is very strong.

Sarfaraz and Shafiq better watch their backs.

 

[Plumb]

Well fawad bro problem is you are not from a favorite province neither do you have "perchi". In a yr or so the statement ll be "we have to build a team of youngsters" but at that time you ll definitely see a comeback of another akmals. I feel sorry for you but your interview tells me that you a strong person mentally and one who deserves respect, you are not like someone who goes in media and cry about everything after giving many chances. Wish you best of luck..

 

[CadPakFan]

Another wasted talent by the PCB.

 

[Major]

Misbah and other captains deserve blame for wasting this guy.

If you dont botger to fight with the system for some people then why whine about you being hurt in the past.

 

[Major]

Only mickey arthur has the guts of going against orders of his superior, so if fawad impresses then there is hope

 

[ahmedwaqas92]

Misbah and other captains deserve blame for wasting this guy.

If you dont botger to fight with the system for some people then why whine about you being hurt in the past.

Bro I understand your frustration but these people are extremely powerful and have political clout that even undermines the best of men.

 

[KyoOne]

Bro I understand your frustration but these people are extremely powerful and have political clout that even undermines the best of men.

Misbah did not stand up to any of PCB men, the reason why he was allowed to continue as captain for so long, despite miserable results one after another, including defeats to Zimbabwe.

 

[Major]

Bro I understand your frustration but these people are extremely powerful and have political clout that even undermines the best of men.

umar akmal has pml n backing.

And yet look how Mickey arthur called him up to England, did a fitness test, failed him and sent him back.

 

[msb314]

He does seem rather disheartened but still looks to be willing to fight on without really moaning and complaining so respect to him for that.

What is the inside story as to why he has not been in consideration for selection?

Surely it cannot be his technique only...

 

[Stallion__]

One can feel the anguish in his words. Not being a dramaybaaz sometimes don't work in our system.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Because you have a gully danda technique.

 

[Leo23]

Because you have a gully danda technique.

same gully danda technique that has helped him achieve the highest first class average in pakistan history and the 22nd highest average of all time?

now you will say our domestic pitches are poor. but these are the same pitches where a lot of bowlers have excellent first class averages

a pitch cannot be good for both batting and bowling at the same time especially to the extent where it allows a batsman with a gully danda technique to average 56 or a harmless trundler to average 20

90% of the batsmen with good first class records have replicated their performance in international cricket and a quick look at fawad's short international career will tell you that he was following the same path

he has been robbed of 8k test runs and 20+ hundreds

 

[ask_analyse_act]

He deserved place in the test side but not now. I think his time is over, even if he makes into the squad his technique will be highly tested on overseas tours especially on pitches that help pace. Initially he used to bat much closer stance than the wide open one. May be it is also a concern. He failed to hold on to his chance in the ODI side after MISBAH retired. Being the most experienced middle order batsmen in the team failed against Bangladesh spin tracks which he has to accept.

 

[Junaids]

Well Fawad, how about for the first time in three years scoring more than 1 century in a season?

I don't care how you inflate your average by batting down the order. Until you score at least 1 century on average per four First Class innings, you don't deserve a Test place.

Plus you're too old.

 

[SM1989]

That cowardly batting against Australia in UAE and then the failure to perform against Bangladesh in 2015 was enough to seal his fate. There was no coming back from there.

 

[hadi123]

The age excuse is flawed. He is very similar age to Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq etc who are only in the middle of their careers and he is as experienced as them on the First Class scene.

 

[squarecut]

I do not know what is the problem if someone is not picked for his national team. There are many players in other teams who are dropped from their national team despite performing well even at the International level. But I do not find them complaining.

 

[Justcrazy]

Asim Kamal was also neglected the same way.

 

[MRSN]

Should have had a longer test career. Even the likes of Shan Masood and Khurum manzoor have bigger test career than him.

 

[kingusama92]

The age excuse is flawed. He is very similar age to Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq etc who are only in the middle of their careers and he is as experienced as them on the First Class scene.

But those players are established at the highest level.

Hussey is the best example for Fawad.

 

[New Yorker]

That cowardly batting against Australia in UAE and then the failure to perform against Bangladesh in 2015 was enough to seal his fate. There was no coming back from there.

Fawad played a Test series against Australia in the UAE? That's news to all of us.

We're not talking about ODIs or T20s. We're talking about FC cricket, for the guy who has the highest FC average in Pakistani history. Who averages 40 after 3 international Tests with one big daddy century.

 

[New Yorker]

Well Fawad, how about for the first time in three years scoring more than 1 century in a season?

I don't care how you inflate your average by batting down the order. Until you score at least 1 century on average per four First Class innings, you don't deserve a Test place.

Plus you're too old.

Yes, that 162 against Sri Lanka when everyone else was falling like nine pins around him were easy runs. We all know anyone can do better than Younis Khan against spin.

How is Asad Shafiq doing on those counts? As well as he should, padding his stats down the order? Much onf an age difference on Fawad?

He's the best FC bat in the country's history, has his first century after 3 Tests and averages 40, and we are arguing over whether he should be given a few more tests? Really? Because Viv Richards is waiting in the wings?

 

[Junaids]

Yes, that 162 against Sri Lanka when everyone else was falling like nine pins around him were easy runs. We all know anyone can do better than Younis Khan against spin.

How is Asad Shafiq doing on those counts? As well as he should, padding his stats down the order? Much onf an age difference on Fawad?

He's the best FC bat in the country's history, has his first century after 3 Tests and averages 40, and we are arguing over whether he should be given a few more tests? Really? Because Viv Richards is waiting in the wings?

I agree he was discarded too soon.

But Fawad Alam's First Class output of 2 centuries in two years since passing his thirtieth birthday is pathetic, a disgrace, and he has no right to even be considered for a Test berth until he scores at least five more centuries.

2 centuries in 29 innings since the age of 30 is a clear indication of a batsman in sharp decline.

 

[sshakir411]

Bias.. Inzi will play Salman Butt before he plays Fawad Alam.

 

[Sports_Psychologist]

His Michael Yardyesque batting style is keeping him away from the team!! In Pakistan we'll take a stylish non performer than an ugly style performer!!

 

[angeldsoul]

I blame Fawad mainly for not constantly making his case in the public forum, he musnt let up and keep on hammering in a respectful way and remind everyone including selectors of his average till he gets a chance, he should get minimum 2 series, atleast one of those at home!

I have a feeling they will not be able to keep him out for the next series after this statement by him!

 

[amvbfm]

I agree he was discarded too soon.

But Fawad Alam's First Class output of 2 centuries in two years since passing his thirtieth birthday is pathetic, a disgrace, and he has no right to even be considered for a Test berth until he scores at least five more centuries.

2 centuries in 29 innings since the age of 30 is a clear indication of a batsman in sharp decline.

That's just another excuse, another rationalization for keeping him out. He has already done enough over the years to merit selection for at least two full series to prove himself. As it stands he is far more eligible than players like Shahzad, Masood, Akmals, and even Haris Sohail, despite his recent non-performance. He is one of the most experienced bats in the country and its Pakistan's misfortune that that experience is not being utilized due to personal dislikes and nepotism when Pakistan need a plucky middle order batsman like him in the middle order.

You may be right that his performance has declined but its only human to lose hope when one is subjected to such utter injustice for so long. Give him a chance and then judge if he is fit to play or not. I am totally confident that he will perform and cement his place in the team and perhaps that's the main reason why his detractors don't want to select him at all.

 

[Junaids]

That's just another excuse, another rationalization for keeping him out. He has already done enough over the years to merit selection for at least two full series to prove himself. As it stands he is far more eligible than players like Shahzad, Masood, Akmals, and even Haris Sohail, despite his recent non-performance. He is one of the most experienced bats in the country and its Pakistan's misfortune that that experience is not being utilized due to personal dislikes and nepotism when Pakistan need a plucky middle order batsman like him in the middle order.

You may be right that his performance has declined but its only human to lose hope when one is subjected to such utter injustice for so long. Give him a chance and then judge if he is fit to play or not. I am totally confident that he will perform and cement his place in the team and perhaps that's the main reason why his detractors don't want to select him at all.

You can't pick your team on the basis that he deserved a slot 5 years ago when he was at his peak!

A batsman who scores one First Class century per season is unselectable.

Last season:

1. Salman Butt scored FOUR TIMES as many centuries as Fawad Alam.
2. Kamran Akmal - who isn't even a specialist batsman - scored FIVE TIMES as many centuries as Fawad Alam.
3. Umar Akmal scored as many centuries in two matches as Fawad Alam did in a full season of nine matches.

The argument for calling up Fawad Alam is a joke.

 

[htariq25]

Calling up fawad now is too late anyway but I can't believe PCB left this guy out for the likes of khurram manzoor, Ahmed shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez and nasir jamshed. Fawad Alam should have been selected after our disgusting loss against Zimbabwe in 2013. Now unfortunately it's too late.

 

[amvbfm]

A batsman who scores one First Class century per season is unselectable.

You forgot to complete your sentence so I will do it for you.

A batsman who scores one First Class century per season is unselectable UNLESS he is the son of a member of the governing Board of PCB.

436 runs in 9 matches @ 36.33 with 1 century. An overall FC average of 33.96.
Already played 10 tests and averages a whopping 23.1!

If you talk about age then please explain to me why Bilal Asif has been called to the camp for the test series against SL. 31 years old and 38 FC wickets @38. Took 6 wickets @86 in the last FC season. Is this not a joke? Fawad should have at least made it to the camp. No?

Please don't try to justify what is wrong by relying on stats that support your flawed argument. You have been following the game for a long time, and know very well that players who don't fulfill that criteria have been selected more than once. I admit that Fawad's performance has deteriorated recently but not everything is about statistics. Fawad has tons of FC experience, he is determined and plucky, fitter than most youngsters (at least far more than the people you mentioned) and plays courageously and unselfishly. No one is asking to make him a permanent fixture but at least give him a fair chance to prove himself.

 

[ToeCrusher2]

He should do a Imran tahir and play for some other country

 

[New Yorker]

You can't pick your team on the basis that he deserved a slot 5 years ago when he was at his peak!

A batsman who scores one First Class century per season is unselectable.

Last season:

1. Salman Butt scored FOUR TIMES as many centuries as Fawad Alam.
2. Kamran Akmal - who isn't even a specialist batsman - scored FIVE TIMES as many centuries as Fawad Alam.
3. Umar Akmal scored as many centuries in two matches as Fawad Alam did in a full season of nine matches.

The argument for calling up Fawad Alam is a joke.

The real joke is the idea that Fawad is competing with Butt or the Akmals for a place in the Test side. Completely irrelevant how many centuries any of them have scored.

The Test side going forward is pretty straightforward

Azhar
Aslam/Shehzad
Babar
Haris
Sarfraz

Which leaves the no 6 spot.

Babar and Haris are inexperienced. Asad Shafiq has turned out to be a dud investment.

The PCB should be looking for an experienced middle order bat to fill the void left by MisYou. . ie possess 1) Intl Ave 40 + 2) tenacity and grit 3) appetite for scoring big; play spin well. Babar's weakness.

Which leaves who better than Fawad?

 

[New Yorker]

I agree he was discarded too soon.

But Fawad Alam's First Class output of 2 centuries in two years since passing his thirtieth birthday is pathetic, a disgrace, and he has no right to even be considered for a Test berth until he scores at least five more centuries.

2 centuries in 29 innings since the age of 30 is a clear indication of a batsman in sharp decline.

So if he scores four centuries next season you unequivocally agree that he should be selected?

 

[ToeCrusher2]

Or he could do a misbah and make a comback into the team in his 40s

 

[Junaids]

You forgot to complete your sentence so I will do it for you.

A batsman who scores one First Class century per season is unselectable UNLESS he is the son of a member of the governing Board of PCB.

436 runs in 9 matches @ 36.33 with 1 century. An overall FC average of 33.96.
Already played 10 tests and averages a whopping 23.1!

If you talk about age then please explain to me why Bilal Asif has been called to the camp for the test series against SL. 31 years old and 38 FC wickets @38. Took 6 wickets @86 in the last FC season. Is this not a joke? Fawad should have at least made it to the camp. No?

Please don't try to justify what is wrong by relying on stats that support your flawed argument. You have been following the game for a long time, and know very well that players who don't fulfill that criteria have been selected more than once. I admit that Fawad's performance has deteriorated recently but not everything is about statistics. Fawad has tons of FC experience, he is determined and plucky, fitter than most youngsters (at least far more than the people you mentioned) and plays courageously and unselfishly. No one is asking to make him a permanent fixture but at least give him a fair chance to prove himself.

Brilliant!

I LOVE the first half of this post!

 

[Junaids]

So if he scores four centuries next season you unequivocally agree that he should be selected?

Even if he scores 18 centuries, i unequivocally say that he is 32 and too old to be added to the team - just as I keep saying about Salman Butt.

 

[Junaids]

The real joke is the idea that Fawad is competing with Butt or the Akmals for a place in the Test side. Completely irrelevant how many centuries any of them have scored.

The Test side going forward is pretty straightforward

Azhar
Aslam/Shehzad
Babar
Haris
Sarfraz

Which leaves the no 6 spot.

Babar and Haris are inexperienced. Asad Shafiq has turned out to be a dud investment.

The PCB should be looking for an experienced middle order bat to fill the void left by MisYou. . ie possess 1) Intl Ave 40 + 2) tenacity and grit 3) appetite for scoring big; play spin well. Babar's weakness.

Which leaves who better than Fawad?

Haris Sohail is even less qualified for a call up.

How can you give a Test debut to a man who hasn't played a First Class match for 3 years and 8 months?

He hasn't scored a single run against a red ball with a slip cordon in place since January 2014.

We have no idea whether his knee can handle 120 overs in the field.

I am a psychiatrist. I've detained people under the Mental Health Act for less deranged behaviour.

 

[AFM]

He hasn't scored a single run against a red ball with a slip cordon in place since January 2014.

I'm not sure how much cricket Haris has played recently and how much of that involved Grade 2 cricket. But the above is completely false. He and Babar both played in the warm up match in October 2014 against a full strength Australia squad and both scored 100's.

 

[DW44]

Should have played about 50 tests and 150ish ODIs by now. One of the more extreme cases of selectors' ineptitude in recent times.

 

[Junaids]

I'm not sure how much cricket Haris has played recently and how much of that involved Grade 2 cricket. But the above is completely false. He and Babar both played in the warm up match in October 2014 against a full strength Australia squad and both scored 100's.

Good point - I'd forgotten that.

It's still 2 years and 11 months though!

 

[Bilal7]

How does he come across as conceited and bitter?

Calling out the selectors and president while informing everyone how great he is gives this impression. I like Fawad and do think that he should be given a chance as soon as our next series but this isn't the way to do it.

Fawad should make it clear that he is okay with opening the innings. The middle order is packed but there is one opening slot that is still calling out for a solid batsman.

1) Sami
2) Fawad
3) Azhar
4) Babar
5) Haris
6) Shafiq
7) Sarfaraz

With Usman and Shehzad/Fakhar as the back-up middle-order and opening batsman, respectively.

 

[MMHS]

Good point - I'd forgotten that.

It's still 2 years and 11 months though!

Actually, he had been active in longer format since 2013, but PAK domestic is unique of it's kind. Lot's of 3/4 day matches are played which are not FC status, but quite decent in quality. Actually, much better than many FC matches played between Regional Association teams. Also, there is no status co in PAK domestics - payers play as mercenary for 5/6 teams in a season on pay per game basis, hence many national players also play such tournaments - Patrons Cup, Grade 2, district cricket. These are not FC status, but quality players do play - like Misbah & Amir played in Grade 2 last year.

Another problem in PAK is that the system doesn't accumulate top players - rather 20-30-40- God knows how many teams compete for a qualifier to enter QEA FC tournament of 8 Corporate & 8 Regional teams (That was as far I know 3 months back, since then, hope they haven't changed it once more). Now, 2 problems in that model is that the qualifiers are not given FC status, so you won't find that in players' career stats.

Another problem is, since the system doesn’t filter to accumulate top players across country to highest tier, some players miss out FC cricket all together in a season for their team missing out the qualifier. Haris actually played qualifiers for his team, which wasn’t FC status & his team failed to qualify for the main tournament, so, his last FC in domestics was in early 2014, but he has played quite few 3/4 day matches with red balls & slip cordon since then.

Regarding his fitness, you have to bash/question Arthur here, if there is any confusion. I am sure after Umar Akmal CT debacle; Inzi hasn’t taken that decision alone. Arthur is well aware & he must be satisfied with Haris’s progress during summer camp. Also, he is considered for Test series, where he is not likely to bowl & probably he’ll field at 3rd slip.

Regarding age, I think he had been a fringe player for last 5 years, debuted in ODI in 2012 at the right age, but couldn’t progress for reasons everyone knows, no point bringing that. He actually has better FC stats than shorter formats & during thses 5/6 years PAK had been bunnied by SLAO spinners, for a batting lineup of 11 right-handers, still indeed it’s a surprise that Haris or Fawad couldn’t manage a single Test.

For you, it’s a bit double standard to questing his age, when Umar Akmal is almost same aged. Haris is a fantastic prospect & still U30; he is a left-handed stroke maker with all-round game and he is among few PAK players in current generation, who actually can play in 3 formats. Can bowl a bit & if his knees support, he’ll be an asset for PAK team till may be 2027 W – and write it again, he is probably a better player for the longer format.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Haris Sohail is even less qualified for a call up.

How can you give a Test debut to a man who hasn't played a First Class match for 3 years and 8 months?

He hasn't scored a single run against a red ball with a slip cordon in place since January 2014.

This is just not true. As I said in other thread Haris played 3 matches in Grade 2, scored 2 centuries with average of 60. As [MENTION=142670]mak36[/MENTION] said please stop spreading misinformation.
If you really want the betterment of Pak cricket then please start following Pak domestic too.

 

[Abdullah719]

Calling out the selectors and president while informing everyone how great he is gives this impression. I like Fawad and do think that he should be given a chance as soon as our next series but this isn't the way to do it.

Fawad should make it clear that he is okay with opening the innings. The middle order is packed but there is one opening slot that is still calling out for a solid batsman.

1) Sami
2) Fawad
3) Azhar
4) Babar
5) Haris
6) Shafiq
7) Sarfaraz

With Usman and Shehzad/Fakhar as the back-up middle-order and opening batsman, respectively.

I'm not sure if you read the whole thing.

He quite clearly said he respects Inzamam and doesn't want to question selection. This is in huge contrast to others such as Kamran Akmal who constantly whine about selection and talk as if playing for Pakistan is their right. I think Fawad has been quite respectful with his comments.

He has only made a very mild statement about not having been given a reason for non-selection which is valid, because his performance and fitness have been up to the mark for the most part.

Makes no sense to have him open when he does not have the technique to do so, never does so at FC level and probably his best utility is as a player of spin.

Anyway on the topic of the middle order, I feel that Haris (if fit) and Usman are the way forward. It is true that while Fawad's form in recent seasons has been consistent, he hasn't been piling up the runs and centuries like he did between 2010-2013. But I do sympathise with Fawad as even when he was scoring runs, Shafiq was preferred over him and Fawad was rarely even considered good enough to be a backup option.

 

[Bilal7]

I'm not sure if you read the whole thing.

He quite clearly said he respects Inzamam and doesn't want to question selection. This is in huge contrast to others such as Kamran Akmal who constantly whine about selection and talk as if playing for Pakistan is their right. I think Fawad has been quite respectful with his comments.

He has only made a very mild statement about not having been given a reason for non-selection which is valid, because his performance and fitness have been up to the mark for the most part.

Makes no sense to have him open when he does not have the technique to do so, never does so at FC level and probably his best utility is as a player of spin.

Anyway on the topic of the middle order, I feel that Haris (if fit) and Usman are the way forward. It is true that while Fawad's form in recent seasons has been consistent, he hasn't been piling up the runs and centuries like he did between 2010-2013. But I do sympathise with Fawad as even when he was scoring runs, Shafiq was preferred over him and Fawad was rarely even considered good enough to be a backup option.

Okay, I stand corrected. He has been better with his comments than some of our other players. Shafiq was better at combating the new ball and has done pretty well for himself so Fawad is more unlucky than victim.

Right now, opening is the only spot he can make a viable challenge for and he's a good player so nothing wrong with trying him out there. He does have a 160 as an opener.

 

[Mainul]

Fawad one of my most favorites,is the reason i shall hate Pakistan cricket.Such a corrupted cricket structure!!! A hugely potential player like him is discarded again and again!! I really feel sorry for this guy.He would have outperformed Asad 9 out of ten times.

 

[Junaids]

[MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION]
I will tolerate Haris' age - just not Fawad, as he is the age at which players should be thrown out of the national team, not brought in!

I can't read or speak any Asian language. So I see the QEA scores and that's basically it. I can't follow minor matches because I can't read their language.

 

[babajee]

[MENTION=9]Saj[/MENTION] any inside information ?

 

[New Yorker]

Haris Sohail is even less qualified for a call up.

How can you give a Test debut to a man who hasn't played a First Class match for 3 years and 8 months?

He hasn't scored a single run against a red ball with a slip cordon in place since January 2014.

We have no idea whether his knee can handle 120 overs in the field.

I am a psychiatrist. I've detained people under the Mental Health Act for less deranged behaviour.

Um. You didn't get the point I think. You are telling me that there is yet another spot that needs filling. Ok, great, so, who better than Fawad fits the profile of the kind of batsman we need in the middle order to fill this even larger void?

 

[New Yorker]

Even if he scores 18 centuries, i unequivocally say that he is 32 and too old to be added to the team - just as I keep saying about Salman Butt.

Your logic if one can call it that has now unravelled completely.

First, the problem is he doesn't score centuries.

Then it doesn't matter how many centuries he scores.

Then he's too old at 32.

But other players who are 32 are not too old.

You sure he isn't too short as well?

Sigh.

 

[skghani]

Alright, so let me set this straight, I only registerd to PakPassion tonight after being a regular reader for years to register my protest to PCB about overlooking Fawad Alam constantly. This is how strongly I feel about this. If nepotism (read Inam-ul-Haq) and many others are given chances at the expense of a champion batsman like Alam, then how can we compete with the rest of the world which is getting miles ahead of us. I have lost respect for Sheheryar Khan who I admired alot, for Inzi who I was a big fan of and countless others for their role in excluding Fawad Alam. There was a time I left following Pakistani cricket bc of this corruption and disgusting politics.

 

[MMHS]

[MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION]
I will tolerate Haris' age - just not Fawad, as he is the age at which players should be thrown out of the national team, not brought in!

I can't read or speak any Asian language. So I see the QEA scores and that's basically it. I can't follow minor matches because I can't read their language.

Neither I can read Urdu or Hindi, but I can understand both, a little bit of Punjabi, Assamese & Gujrati as well, but can't speak apart from first two.

Anyway, here is a link, where you can see the details of PAK players, even from junior ranks

http://www.pcboard.com.pk/Players/index.html

And this is Haris

http://www.pcboard.com.pk/Pakistan/Players/83/83571/statistics_lists.html


Fawad won't be called ever I guess, this was his last chance, considering the venue, opponents & the gap in PAK middle order. He has probably 25+ FC hundreds, in 200+ innings, that's 1 out of 8 - take out 4/5 in last 70 or so innings, poor guy had 20+ FC hundreds in low scoring PAK domestics in about 130-140 innings, that's one out of <7 innings, and he had maintained a FC average of 60+ in that period, when second best was below 45; and he is a lefti, can bowl a bit & easily among the best 2/3 fielders in PAK. You talk lot about the importance of all-rounder - this guy could have been far better version of MoHa without chucking. It was injustice to the highest order for the part of management - I don't know whom, but someone powerful must be against him.

Haris was a must from 31st March 2011, in the 2 longer formats at least - that went to Asad, Azhar, YK, Ahmed in ODI and MoHa, Shan, Manzoor, Ahmed in Test. By now, he should have been standing on 5K+ International runs at a good average & decent SR at least.

 

[amvbfm]

Your logic if one can call it that has now unravelled completely.

First, the problem is he doesn't score centuries.

Then it doesn't matter how many centuries he scores.

Then he's too old at 32.

But other players who are 32 are not too old.

You sure he isn't too short as well?

Sigh.

Logic?
The logic here is to create logic that rules out Fawad hehe

 

[Junaids]

Your logic if one can call it that has now unravelled completely.

First, the problem is he doesn't score centuries.

Then it doesn't matter how many centuries he scores.

Then he's too old at 32.

But other players who are 32 are not too old.

You sure he isn't too short as well?

Sigh.

I have been absolutely consistent on this.

Sensible selection prevents transition periods by limiting the team to one batsman over 30, and he needs to be phased out himself by his 34th Birthday at the very latest.

Me, I'm taking Azhar Ali as my one geriatric batsman.

If you want Fawad, he is instead of Azhar, not in addition to. Same reason I won't recall Salman Butt.

Logic?
The logic here is to create logic that rules out Fawad hehe

Are you kidding me?

The logic which rules out Fawad is that since he turned 30 years of age he stopped scoring centuries.

Just 2 in 29 innings, 1 century per season.

 

[amvbfm]

Calling out the selectors and president while informing everyone how great he is gives this impression. I like Fawad and do think that he should be given a chance as soon as our next series but this isn't the way to do it.

Fawad should make it clear that he is okay with opening the innings. The middle order is packed but there is one opening slot that is still calling out for a solid batsman.

1) Sami
2) Fawad
3) Azhar
4) Babar
5) Haris
6) Shafiq
7) Sarfaraz

With Usman and Shehzad/Fakhar as the back-up middle-order and opening batsman, respectively.

The guy has never complained and kept on making runs while people not even half as deserving as him have gone on to play, fail and even get second and third chances and now if he complains he is labelled bitter. Give the guy a break.

I would wait 2 or 3 series before making that comment. The moment we lose a series, that packed middle order will seem as bare as to merit recalls for all the TTFs. Alas, even then it will be the likes of Butt and the Akmals and not Fawad.

 

[Bewal Express]

Alright, so let me set this straight, I only registerd to PakPassion tonight after being a regular reader for years to register my protest to PCB about overlooking Fawad Alam constantly. This is how strongly I feel about this. If nepotism (read Inam-ul-Haq) and many others are given chances at the expense of a champion batsman like Alam, then how can we compete with the rest of the world which is getting miles ahead of us. I have lost respect for Sheheryar Khan who I admired alot, for Inzi who I was a big fan of and countless others for their role in excluding Fawad Alam. There was a time I left following Pakistani cricket bc of this corruption and disgusting politics.

Inam ul Haq is not nepotism. I think his progress has been hindered by Inzi.

 

[amvbfm]

I have been absolutely consistent on this.

Sensible selection prevents transition periods by limiting the team to one batsman over 30, and he needs to be phased out himself by his 34th Birthday at the very latest.

Me, I'm taking Azhar Ali as my one geriatric batsman.

If you want Fawad, he is instead of Azhar, not in addition to. Same reason I won't recall Salman Butt.


Are you kidding me?

The logic which rules out Fawad is that since he turned 30 years of age he stopped scoring centuries.

Just 2 in 29 innings, 1 century per season.

34? This is test cricket and not T20 we are talking about here. That's about the age when most great test batsmen are at the peak of their powers and you are talking about kicking them out! Sorry but again your logic beats me. Most great test batting lineups have been made up primarily of batsmen over 30. By your logic the great Australian test batting lineup of 2000s would not have existed at all as Langer, Hayden, Steve and Mark Waugh, Martyn, Lehmann, Ponting, Hussey and Gilchrist would all have been phased out by their 34th birthday. Imho sensible selection is all about selecting the 11 BEST available players in the country and creating viable backups for each position and role in the team, regardless of age.

Azhar is geriatric??

Again selection shouldn't be made with quotas for age groups or anything else in mind so I don't see any reason why Azhar and Fawad cant play together in the same team.

You keep changing your logic haha. First you said

"A batsman who scores one First Class century per season is unselectable."

When I pointed out the case of Shan Masood, it became about age, if I find an example (and I'm sure there are countless) where Pakistan has picked a 30+ bat with just one century in the preceding FC season you will say Fawad's technique is not good enough or something else. Guess it would be better that we agree to disagree on this one

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

I am not against Fawad and believe he was treated harshly but while looking at stats one have to take into account the conditions, situations and pitches too. Fawad's stats are boosted playing on batting and spinners friendly pitches of Karachi while someone like Usman only has 2 out of 19 centuries in Karachi and played mostly for a weak Lahore Blues team.

That said I will still prefer Fawad over Shafiq in UAE as I believe Fawad can score big scores and in the start we need a quality batsman against spin after Younis and Misbah in UAE.

 

[Junaids]

[MENTION=143410]amvbfm[/MENTION]
The early 2000's Australia batting line-up is really the only successful veteran one in history.

All the evidence - and Fawad Alam's stats bear it out, as do Cook, Younis and Misbah - show the same phenomenon.

After 30, most batsmen stop scoring one 50 and one 100 in every four innings.

They may fill their boots in easy home conditions (Misbah) or keep their average up with one huge innings per series (Cook, Younis).

But for a Test team to win matches, they need every Specialist batsman to deliver one 50 plus one 100 in every four innings. Their partnerships win some matches and save the rest.

That is why Pakistan continually lost overseas when Younis and Misbah were both playing. They never had partnerships together, because in 80% of innings they were out cheaply.

 

[amvbfm]

[MENTION=143410]amvbfm[/MENTION]
The early 2000's Australia batting line-up is really the only successful veteran one in history.

All the evidence - and Fawad Alam's stats bear it out, as do Cook, Younis and Misbah - show the same phenomenon.

After 30, most batsmen stop scoring one 50 and one 100 in every four innings.

They may fill their boots in easy home conditions (Misbah) or keep their average up with one huge innings per series (Cook, Younis).

But for a Test team to win matches, they need every Specialist batsman to deliver one 50 plus one 100 in every four innings. Their partnerships win some matches and save the rest.

That is why Pakistan continually lost overseas when Younis and Misbah were both playing. They never had partnerships together, because in 80% of innings they were out cheaply.

Disagree completely. I am sure if an analysis is conducted for top batsmen for their averages before and after 30 there will not be much of a difference (and i'd not be surprised if the latter is actually higher for most good batsman). Obviously players above 30 aren't at their peak physical condition but that is more than made up for by experience. Moreover, you cant quantify the intangibles that an experienced test batsman brings to the side in terms of passing on skills and experience to youngsters, assisting the captain in strategy etc.

Both Cook and Younis have a higher average after 30 than their overall average. Misbah's case is not relevant as he played almost all his cricket after turning 35 so there is little for comparison.

The 50 and 100 statement is another baseless, off the cuff assertion. I will be grateful and will gladly admit my mistake if you can support it with stats.

And then you go on to attribute Pakistan's failure's to Misbah and Younis. I mean I don't even know what to say to that. Don't even know where we would have been had those two not been playing and been replaced by the likes of Akmal, Maqsood, Amin etc.

 

[Deewana Mastana]

He has been wasted since 2009 and now it probably might be a little too late but still he does deserve a go first before Usman and Haris.

 

[Junaids]

Disagree completely. I am sure if an analysis is conducted for top batsmen for their averages before and after 30 there will not be much of a difference (and i'd not be surprised if the latter is actually higher for most good batsman). Obviously players above 30 aren't at their peak physical condition but that is more than made up for by experience. Moreover, you cant quantify the intangibles that an experienced test batsman brings to the side in terms of passing on skills and experience to youngsters, assisting the captain in strategy etc.

Both Cook and Younis have a higher average after 30 than their overall average. Misbah's case is not relevant as he played almost all his cricket after turning 35 so there is little for comparison.

The 50 and 100 statement is another baseless, off the cuff assertion. I will be grateful and will gladly admit my mistake if you can support it with stats.

And then you go on to attribute Pakistan's failure's to Misbah and Younis. I mean I don't even know what to say to that. Don't even know where we would have been had those two not been playing and been replaced by the likes of Akmal, Maqsood, Amin etc.

I have explained this.

Younis Khan kept his average up by going big once per series, but that doesn't win matches. You need numbers 4 and 5 to make partnerships EVERY time they go to the wicket.

In Younis' last four major series outside Asia:

He passed 40 in 1 innings out of 6 in South Africa.

He passed 40 in 1 innings out of 7 in England.

He passed 40 in 0 innings out of 4 in New Zealand.

He passed 40 in 2 innings out of 6 in Australia.

In other words, while maintaining his average, in 19 innings out of 23 he failed to form partnerships. And his team lost 11 of those 12 matches.

Averages don't help the team. Consistent partnerships do. And old batsmen are really poor at them.

 

[amvbfm]

I have explained this.

Younis Khan kept his average up by going big once per series, but that doesn't win matches. You need numbers 4 and 5 to make partnerships EVERY time they go to the wicket.

In Younis' last four major series outside Asia:

He passed 40 in 1 innings out of 6 in South Africa.

He passed 40 in 1 innings out of 7 in England.

He passed 40 in 0 innings out of 4 in New Zealand.

He passed 40 in 2 innings out of 6 in Australia.

In other words, while maintaining his average, in 19 innings out of 23 he failed to form partnerships. And his team lost 11 of those 12 matches.

Averages don't help the team. Consistent partnerships do. And old batsmen are really poor at them.

Below 30 118 matches @52 34/33 hundreds and fifties
Above 30 62 matches @56 20/14
Above 34 47 matches @53 16/8

If anything he got better with age, and the number of 50s and 100s is also consistent. I know now you will say those numbers are inflated by home series. If I drill down further you will say take only top 3 teams and so on.

Looking at those stats I can't see any major difference with age.

As for partnerships, Younis khan was not singlehandley responsible for winning matches for Pakistan. He was one of 11 players. To give context to the numbers you have given also analyse the performance of the other 6 bats. A batsman needs support at the other end to construct partnerships.

Anyways I guess we have digressed from Fawad to deterioration with age to now younis khan so we should take this topic elsewhere haha. If I get time I will try to analyse your theory.