Pakistan announce the squad for the two-match Test series (2025) against the West Indies

[shamaan]

No its unfair on Abdullah..one days and Tests are diff formats...what has Shan done for yrs apart from.one good innings

Hes been poor in tests recently.

 

[Marooned]

There’s a big difference between hoping someone will perform well and trusting a player who’s already proven themselves. Right now, based on performances, it’s pretty clear who deserves the spot.

Let’s look at the recent Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (QEA):

Imam-ul-Haq

Average: 79

Centuries: 3

Fifties: 1

Matches: 5


Imam has been in amazing form. He’s scored three hundreds, a fifty, and has an average of 79. That’s top-tier consistency and exactly what you want from a batter.

Muhammad Hurraira

Average: 29

Centuries: 0

Fifties: 1

Matches: 3


Hurraira, on the other hand, hasn’t been great. A single fifty and an average of 29 in three games don’t scream “pick me.”

Players like Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan, Tayab Tahir, and Ali Zaryab are all outperforming Hurraira right now

Hurraira also had a chance to shine against Sri Lanka A but didn’t do anything special, with single-digit scores. While he’s clearly talented, his current form doesn’t back up the hype.

Imam might not be a “new” talent, but form matters in cricket. Players go in and out of form, and right now, Imam is in much better touch than Hurraira.

Hurraira might be a good player with a bright future, but based on current form, Imam deserves the spot. He’s consistent, experienced, and performing when it matters. For now, he’s the better choice.

Except what has Imam proved?

He has played 24 tests already for Pakistan (that's like worth 4 years, a complete test cycle) and has categorically failed. Never played even one innings of real substance.

So I'm not sure what you are trying to achieve by recycling trash. In short Imam is a ttf.

Now that we have Imam out of the way, among the others you either back form or the entire body of work.

I'm more inclined to reward entire body of work especially because Hurraira was discarded unfairly. Do you dispute the fact that Hurraira has enough body of work in domestics to merit a chance?

I mean don't you think dropping players without giving them a chance, only to recycle trash proven failures is problematic?

That's exactly how good players are " lost to the system". It's been a running theme in Pakistan cricket.

Why do you wanna waste 4 more years with Imam? There's nothing left to see there.

 

[Bewal Express]

Kashif ali is right arm seamer.

He did well in a couple of qea tournaments but hasn't been that consistent over all.
I don't mind his selection tbh. I think he has decent potential to be a test seamer.

Swings the ball but from the limited footage I have seen, it's straight from the hand. Pace is good- around 84 mph.

 

[Bewal Express]

Imam selection is basically using domestic stats over ones own eye. He is a good FC player but he is late on the ball against good fastish bowlers. Imam will never be anything more than average- maybe that's what we think we need

 

[emranabbas]

Except what has Imam proved?

He has played 24 tests already for Pakistan (that's like worth 4 years, a complete test cycle) and has categorically failed. Never played even one innings of real substance.

So I'm not sure what you are trying to achieve by recycling trash. In short Imam is a ttf.

Now that we have Imam out of the way, among the others you either back form or the entire body of work.

I'm more inclined to reward entire body of work especially because Hurraira was discarded unfairly. Do you dispute the fact that Hurraira has enough body of work in domestics to merit a chance?

I mean don't you think dropping players without giving them a chance, only to recycle trash proven failures is problematic?

That's exactly how good players are " lost to the system". It's been a running theme in Pakistan cricket.

Why do you wanna waste 4 more years with Imam? There's nothing left to see there.

If you were actually about giving young players a real chance, Hurraira wouldn’t be the first pick, especially with how he's been performing lately. It feels more like favoritism than anything else. I get it, he’s your favorite, and you want him to play, but honestly that wouldnt be on merit, he hasn’t earned it. I’d rather not argue about it.

Average of 30 in 2 seasons in a row isn't good enough that too with no 100's whatsoever

 

[Hyder]

If they prepare spinning pitches again i ll bat saud up the order as he is better than most at playing spin.

Saud and sarfraz two players who play spin effortlessly after younis misbah era

 

[Deewana Mastana]

If they prepare spinning pitches again i ll bat saud up the order as he is better than most at playing spin.

Saud and sarfraz two players who play spin effortlessly after younis misbah era

Saud at 4 Rizwan 5

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Iman selection is a sign that he is in PCB good books. When a player is dropped for tough tours but recalled for relatively easy tours then it shows the PCB want to massage his stats a bit.

 

[Kianig89]

The battle of chits it will be if Shan & Imam open , who is the bigger dud

 

[Hyder]

Iman selection is a sign that he is in PCB good books. When a player is dropped for tough tours but recalled for relatively easy tours then it shows the PCB want to massage his stats a bit.

He performed. Saim was injured. He made it back. Everything is not conspiracy

 

[DeadlyVenom]

He performed. Saim was injured. He made it back. Everything is not conspiracy

I have seen this dance a lot with PCB.

He is a decent player but someone with low ceiling who can't perform against seam or short ball.

This test series is meaningless in the grand scheme of things. Why not give another player a chance? He is hardly a like for like replacement for Saim.

 

[Marooned]

If you were actually about giving young players a real chance, Hurraira wouldn’t be the first pick, especially with how he's been performing lately. It feels more like favoritism than anything else. I get it, he’s your favorite, and you want him to play, but honestly that wouldnt be on merit, he hasn’t earned it. I’d rather not argue about it.

Average of 30 in 2 seasons in a row isn't good enough that too with no 100's whatsoever

Lmaoo he isn't my favorite or anything but Imam sure seems your favourite


I'd have no problem if for eg. Farhan or Tahir (regardless of where he bats) get a chance instead of hurraira because they've Earned their chance too and unlike Imam they are yet to be tested.

It's a separate discussion where I rate them but based on performance they've earned their chance too.

What I detest is recycling ttf trash. Imam has had his run let others get a chance to prove themselves.

 

[Shaka81]

Are you saying mohd ali hasn't been selected on performance??

Who mentioned mohd ali?! I've been talking about Kashif Ali so why would you assume incorrectly it must be someone else.... I'm still not convinced that Kashif Ali deserves to be there but we'll see I guess.

 

[CadPakFan]

How is Abbas not in the squad after his performance in South Africa.

Insane that they chose to keep him out after that and combined with the fact that he averages 21 in the West Indies after two tours. They say that they are 'resting' him but I feel like there is some other agenda.

 

[Marooned]

Iman selection is a sign that he is in PCB good books. When a player is dropped for tough tours but recalled for relatively easy tours then it shows the PCB want to massage his stats a bit.

Exactly.

This circus has been going on for far too long but apparently fans are dying to see Imam back so there's that.

 

[Marooned]

Who mentioned mohd ali?! I've been talking about Kashif Ali so why would you assume incorrectly it must be someone else.... I'm still not convinced that Kashif Ali deserves to be there but we'll see I guess.

Cuz u mentioned 30 yo?

Kashif is like 22.

 

[Marooned]

Who mentioned mohd ali?! I've been talking about Kashif Ali so why would you assume incorrectly it must be someone else.... I'm still not convinced that Kashif Ali deserves to be there but we'll see I guess.

Ok mb. Kashif actually is listed as 30 yo.

That's news to me. I thought he was wayyy younger.

 

[Markhor]

Hurraira will get his chance eventually - he wouldn't be in these squads if they didn't rate him. However fair to say he's lost momentum since his first two domestic seasons. Here's some of his recent FC averages:

QEA Trophy 2023 - 33
President's Trophy 2023 - 38
Sri Lanka A series 2024 - 7
QEA Trophy 2024 - 29

He's tried to adapt to white-ball cricket in that time and wonder whether that's affected his red-ball batting.

 

[Hawkeye]

Guys the worst thing about this squad is IMAM UL HAQ being brought back.

This spells doom for our cricket. Specially batting.

This guy was spared the tough away tours and is being brought back to score again on easy home condition pitches, just so he could maintain or inflate his EXTREMELY MISLEADING batting average.

All his stats are thanks to lifeless Pakistani pitches against 3rd rate opposition.

He’s always exposed against any quality opposition.


Apart from that, squad is fine for spin pitches.

 

[Shaka81]

Ok mb. Kashif actually is listed as 30 yo.

That's news to me. I thought he was wayyy younger.

It's confusing because there are so many Kashif Ali listed but it appears to be this guy, rather than the 22 year old batsman that Cricinfo are showing.

 

[Marooned]

It's confusing because there are so many Kashif Ali listed but it appears to be this guy, rather than the 22 year old batsman that Cricinfo are showing.

yes ik the guy.

I'm just shocked he's 30. Poor guy probably came to pcb with his real

 

[Barragan]

Wow wutt?

Abrar is not a test bowler now? Abrar was literally eating domestic competition alive when he got selected and got a 10fer when he got supportive wickets vs England.

Give him decent spinning wickets and he'd deliver.

People putting saj nouman on a pedestal just cuz they got to feast on rank turners.

The guy hardly spins the ball

His main weapon is about deceiving the batsmen with his mystery, hence he has been successful in the shorter formats and struggles in the longer format

At least Sajid and Nauman actually turn the ball and they didn't play on rank turners, the pitches offered slow turn and that's why the English spinners struggled

 

[Barragan]

I did not understand kashif inclusion either rubbish batsmen and bowler

Exactly, I've no idea whether the guy is a batsman or bowler

I don't see anyone with name of this guy in the top FC charts either

 

[TheSultan]

I welcome the decision to drop Abbas and Mir Hamza, but who are the actual fast bowlers in this squad? Just two? Do they think they are travelling to India?

 

[Deewana Mastana]

Isn't Kashif Ali that left arm spinner who's around 39?

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Here comes another humiliating experience of an all spin attack

 

[kingusama92]

Clearly going to be raging turners for both matches.

 

[cricketAXEpert]

The Pakistan Cricket Board on Saturday announced a 15-player squad for the two ICC World Test Championship Tests against the West Indies, scheduled to be played in Multan from 17-21 January and 25-29 January.

The squad features seven changes from the 15-member Test team that toured South Africa. The retained players are: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan, Noman Ali and Salman Ali Agha.

To strengthen the spin department, off-spinner Sajid Khan and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed have been recalled to partner with left-arm spinner Noman Ali. As part of workload management, the pace quartet of Aamir Jamal, Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamza and Naseem Shah has been rested. In their place, the selectors have retained Khurram Shahzad, but recalled Mohammad Ali and included uncapped Kashif Ali.

Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Huraira have also been brought back, replacing an injured Saim Ayub and an out-of-form Abdullah Shafique.

In the absence of wicketkeeper-batter Haseebullah, who sustained a split in his right-hand webbing during the Cape Town Test and requires two more weeks to fully recover, former Pakistan U19 and Shaheens captain Rohail Nazir has been added to the squad.

Pakistan squad for the West Indies Tests:

Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper/batter), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper/batter), Sajid Khan, and Salman Ali Agha.

Mohammad Abbas Dropped ??? & Mohammmad Ali back ??? This is beyond unfair.

 

[gazza619]

Mohammad Abbas Dropped ??? & Mohammmad Ali back ??? This is beyond unfair.

Pakistan will most likely play Abrar, Sajid & Noman in the XI. This leaves a spot for one seamer and I think team management preference would be Khurram Shehzad. To be honest I dont like it would make much difference which seamer plays. They are all equally average and Pakistan will be relying on the spinners anyway.

PCB has actually done a favour to Abbass by not picking him. You would not want to see his 123 kph on dead pitches. This also keeps the future doors open for Abbass when Pakistan tours SENA.

 

[Rana]

The battle of chits it will be if Shan & Imam open , who is the bigger dud

Misbah’s chit Rizwan battling with Rohall for a spot

 

[BouncerGuy]

Isn't Kashif Ali that left arm spinner who's around 39?

Nope. He is a pacer. Dees bowl good pace unlike abbas or hamza. Not sure why abbas was dropped for him and Ali.

 

[NoBallZombie]

Tbh, should have had Abbas for a few reasons

1/ utilize the new ball
2/ utiilze his form
3/ he could act as a fast spinner with the keeper standing up (seriously! )

 

[Hitman]

Good luck to Babar Azam!

 

[Human786]

weather clear ?

 

[saimayubera]

Looks like Pakistan has given up trying to win in SENA. Not that they win much in recent years but still they used to win back in the past and there was an aspiration towards that.

This selection seems to be a complete surrender.

They have gone the Bangladesh way and are content to win on dust bowls for now.

Pakistani pace bowling revival is on hold for the foreseeable future (maybe ever?)

 

[ExpressPacer]

Abbas dropped lol

Good. He is a useless cricketer.

 

[m.shah]

Likely lineup
1.Imam
2.Shan
3.Babar
4. Kamran
5. Saud
6. Rizwan
7. Agha
8. Noman
9. Sajid
10. Abrar
11. Khurram

 

[Shafi]

One Parchi (Shafiq) replaced by another (Imam)

 

[Sunny_majoka]

How is Abbas not in the squad after his performance in South Africa.

Matches are in Pakistan not in Africa, we all saw how he performed on a flat deck in 2nd test

 

[gazza619]

Does anyone know who is showing this in the UK?

 

[Jazx]

They played whole series in South Africa without a specialist spinner, now looks like they want to go with all spin attack in home series. Why can't they keep a balance with pace and spin and form an attack with variation. Abbas, Shaheen, Hamza should have been there with Nauman and Sajid in squad.

 

[Devadwal]

I welcome the decision to drop Abbas and Mir Hamza, but who are the actual fast bowlers in this squad? Just two? Do they think they are travelling to India?

Most important player is 'industrial fan'. Pakistan have two so no problem at all and you have Noman ,Sajid and Abrar.

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

This was an opportunity to bring in Musa khan and Was Jr to Inject pace and reverse to the Line up.

The trio of Sajid , Nouman and Abrar looks likely but at this time of the year it was an ideal opportunity to try out the lads above.

Hurairra should get his chance but more than likely Imam will start.

 

[Jazx]

This was an opportunity to bring in Musa khan and Was Jr to Inject pace and reverse to the Line up.

The trio of Sajid , Nouman and Abrar looks likely but at this time of the year it was an ideal opportunity to try out the lads above.

Hurairra should get his chance but more than likely Imam will

Musa Khan for what??? To break the record of fastest ball

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

Musa Khan for what??? To break the record of fastest ball

How about because he s performed well recently and we need to inject pace in the attack.

 

[hafizexpress]

Any updates on Wasim Jr? I always saw some grit about him and he had beautiful reverse swinging yorkers. Also had serious pace. I still wish they gave him a chance in Australia. Was the standout bowler of the horrid WC '23.

Usually PCB rushes everyone's recovery and ruins them but we've seen no urgency with Wasim Jr which shows they don't value him much. But how's he doing? Would have liked to see him in this squad

 

[hafizexpress]

i don't see why imam shouldn't be in the squad after just scoring 184, 60, 100, but some kid Huraira who failed all recent tournaments should play ahead of perfomers like imam, shazaib khan, and ali zaryab

Hurraira has performed poorly in the last couple of seasons but I think his selection is based on the recent practice game against Windies. Looked another level compared to the other batters. He was unfairly dropped in the first place. Abdullah has criminally hogged the opening spot for way too long just because he's the only other player besides Babar that can play a good looking cover drive. Let's see what Hurraira can do. It's a meaningless series anyway

 

[jamie smith]

riz should be replaced by rohal nazir in the playing xi.Riz has been a victim of brain fades recently and chokes whenever team needs him.
So he should be dropped to give him a message and rohail should play{even though he is mediocre and levels below} haseebullah}

 

[jamie smith]

apart from haseebullah and parchi rohail,do we have any test class wk batsmen??

 

[DeadlyVenom]

riz should be replaced by rohal nazir in the playing xi.Riz has been a victim of brain fades recently and chokes whenever team needs him.
So he should be dropped to give him a message and rohail should play{even though he is mediocre and levels below} haseebullah}

Regardless of performance we should be grooming a back up keeper anyway across all formats.

 

[TeymurBlake]

I hope the square is dry & able to bring in reverse swing. Playing Khurram Shehzad with his injuries is.... interesting. Despite that, I would like to see Khurram bowl with Kashif.

Obviously Kashif's numbers aren't complementary, however Pakistan DESPERATELY need a pacer to click in Test cricket, even in spin friendly conditions where they should support the spinners.

 

[jamie smith]

wasim jr,musa,akif javed could have been tried in this series

 

[jamie smith]

waiting for future goat seales to expose the batting lineup and end a few careers

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

apart from haseebullah and parchi rohail,do we have any test class wk batsmen??

Muhammad Akhlaq could be a useful addition to the Test side.

 

[Jazx]

How about because he s performed well recently and we need to inject pace in the attack.

No need, you need to pick up the bowlers with height ideally suited for an international pacer and having enough skills.
Musa will be a big failure again who lacks both. Only Kms per hour will not make any difference.

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

No need, you need to pick up the bowlers with height ideally suited for an international pacer and having enough skills.
Musa will be a big failure again who lacks both. Only Kms per hour will not make any difference.

Who told you height guarantees success.???

The likes of Marshall and Gough have been successful despite being on the shorter side.

 

[Jazx]

Who told you height guarantees success.???

The likes of Marshall and Gough have been successful despite being on the shorter side.

Marshall was not really that short, he was short in comparison to other West Indies pacers.
And there is no guarantee for anything in any sports.

 

[TeymurBlake]

It's a perfect opportunity to blood new players a chance such as Kashif Ali & Mohammad Hurraira.

Shan Masood must now open & Babar is now the new test No.3

 

[Jazx]

Who told you height guarantees success.???

The likes of Marshall and Gough have been successful despite being on the shorter side.

Moreover any other quality except pace that you are backing him?

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Why on earth have they selected Muhammad Ali? What are his recent performances that justify his selection?

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

Marshall was not really that short, he was short in comparison to other West Indies pacers.
And there is no guarantee for anything in any sports.

He was 5 " 10 or there about s which is short in terms of a pacer your "International class" is referring to.

The point is you can not write anyone off based on past performances especially when he was young.

Players improve and mature at different stages.

Hayden initially failed at international level and was dropped but when he came back he was a champion.

If Australian selectors took that approach the world would of missed out on haydens talent.

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

Why on earth have they selected Muhammad Ali? What are his recent performances that justify his selection?

Muhammad Ali would of been more useful in SA than Mir hamza as he hits the deck hard and he can bowl reverse.

On Pakistani pitches reverse is going to be a big weapon especially on the dry spinning tracks it looks like we are looking at making.

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

Moreover any other quality except pace that you are backing him?

He s a good fielder and can add batting depth down the order.

Same for Was JR.

We all saw what happens if you select domestic performers who lack pace in the SA Test series.

We wasted a golden opportunity to win the 1st Test after having SA 99 - 8.

Pace is the one ingredient that is a must at international level unless your exceptional like Asif or Mcgrath and to a lesser extent Abbas.

Even then you can only afford 1bowler of that ilk not 2 or 3.

If you look at Aussie history they always produce a mcgrath type bowler by complementing them with an express bowler.

Alderman , Massey , Mcgrath, Boland etc with Lee , Johnson , Starc etc for pace.

followed by a Gillespie or Cummings and a spinner.

That is the Test blueprint to follow.

 

[shamaan]

Insane that they chose to keep him out after that and combined with the fact that he averages 21 in the West Indies after two tours. They say that they are 'resting' him but I feel like there is some other agenda.

He only plays tests so resting him is nonsense completely unfair.

 

[shamaan]

Matches are in Pakistan not in Africa, we all saw how he performed on a flat deck in 2nd test

He still performed better than khurram and can do a better holding job than all the Pacers that are currently selected in the squad.

 

[Mainul]

Abass should have retained and played as 3rd spinner

Joker you me laugh a lot

 

[Farabi]

Hurraira has performed poorly in the last couple of seasons but I think his selection is based on the recent practice game against Windies. Looked another level compared to the other batters. He was unfairly dropped in the first place. Abdullah has criminally hogged the opening spot for way too long just because he's the only other player besides Babar that can play a good looking cover drive. Let's see what Hurraira can do. It's a meaningless series anyway

Abdullah Shafique is a slap in the face to all the so-called “experts” who handed out accolades for his technique based on their eye tests. Hafeez, Mohd Wasim, Misbah, Babar, and even PP-ers get swept up by the aesthetics—the high elbow, the dreamy cover drives. They were so confident that he didn’t even need to play a lot of domestic cricket to prove his selection.

Some even compared him to Rahul Dravid. And let’s not forget the gems on this forum calling him “high class,” like our very own @khyberlion

Time and again, these so-called experts are proven wrong. There’s no reliable way to assess technique purely by how it looks. Even as a casual fan, I could see the glaring gaps in Abdullah’s technique, which fall apart as soon as he steps outside Asia.

The proof of technique is runs—lots of runs. Everything else is just fluff. Miandad understood the folly of these “experts” years ago. He once said, “Bat seedha pakro ya ulta, runs banaogay to team mein ayogay.” That should be the motto for Pakistan cricket—runs over eye test/elegance, every time.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Abdullah Shafique is a slap in the face to all the so-called “experts” who handed out accolades for his technique based on their eye tests. Hafeez, Mohd Wasim, Misbah, Babar, and even PP-ers get swept up by the aesthetics—the high elbow, the dreamy cover drives. They were so confident that he didn’t even need to play a lot of domestic cricket to prove his selection.

Some even compared him to Rahul Dravid. And let’s not forget the gems on this forum calling him “high class,” like our very own @khyberlion

Time and again, these so-called experts are proven wrong. There’s no reliable way to assess technique purely by how it looks. Even as a casual fan, I could see the glaring gaps in Abdullah’s technique, which fall apart as soon as he steps outside Asia.

The proof of technique is runs—lots of runs. Everything else is just fluff. Miandad understood the folly of these “experts” years ago. He once said, “Bat seedha pakro ya ulta, runs banaogay to team mein ayogay.” That should be the motto for Pakistan cricket—runs over eye test/elegance, every time.

Abdullah made runs though. He suffered a dip in form but he has scored and scored big.

 

[khyberlion]

Abdullah Shafique is a slap in the face to all the so-called “experts” who handed out accolades for his technique based on their eye tests. Hafeez, Mohd Wasim, Misbah, Babar, and even PP-ers get swept up by the aesthetics—the high elbow, the dreamy cover drives. They were so confident that he didn’t even need to play a lot of domestic cricket to prove his selection.

Some even compared him to Rahul Dravid. And let’s not forget the gems on this forum calling him “high class,” like our very own @khyberlion

Time and again, these so-called experts are proven wrong. There’s no reliable way to assess technique purely by how it looks. Even as a casual fan, I could see the glaring gaps in Abdullah’s technique, which fall apart as soon as he steps outside Asia.

The proof of technique is runs—lots of runs. Everything else is just fluff. Miandad understood the folly of these “experts” years ago. He once said, “Bat seedha pakro ya ulta, runs banaogay to team mein ayogay.” That should be the motto for Pakistan cricket—runs over eye test/elegance, every time.

Seems like knowing anything cricket related is not your cup of tea. I have always been critical of Abdullah shafique, weather it be his technique, being a mental midget and a scared kitten while batting.

There is no doubt he has some potential which is ultimately wasted due to the way he bats. When I mean potential I am talking about our pitiful batting standards.

I don't honestly remember calling him high class. I don't want to derail this thread but let me provide one of your many gems. Tayyab tahir is an all format player for Pakistan. That alone shows your knowledge or the lack of when it comes to batting.

 

[Omer2002]

Abdullah Shafique is a slap in the face to all the so-called “experts” who handed out accolades for his technique based on their eye tests. Hafeez, Mohd Wasim, Misbah, Babar, and even PP-ers get swept up by the aesthetics—the high elbow, the dreamy cover drives. They were so confident that he didn’t even need to play a lot of domestic cricket to prove his selection.

Some even compared him to Rahul Dravid. And let’s not forget the gems on this forum calling him “high class,” like our very own @khyberlion

Time and again, these so-called experts are proven wrong. There’s no reliable way to assess technique purely by how it looks. Even as a casual fan, I could see the glaring gaps in Abdullah’s technique, which fall apart as soon as he steps outside Asia.

The proof of technique is runs—lots of runs. Everything else is just fluff. Miandad understood the folly of these “experts” years ago. He once said, “Bat seedha pakro ya ulta, runs banaogay to team mein ayogay.” That should be the motto for Pakistan cricket—runs over eye test/elegance, every time.

Abdullah shafique averages near 40 in test cricket. Please tell me any other opener averaging that.

 

[khyberlion]

Abdullah made runs though. He suffered a dip in form but he has scored and scored big.

The poster clearly has an agenda against abdullah. He advocates for players to being successful at domestics when abdullah averages overs 50 there, but has no problem with Tayyab tahir who he said is an all format players with a FC average of 34 which is lower than abdullah's international's. Abdullah 160 against Sri Lanka is better than his Tayyab tahir's and Farhan could ever dream of playing even in domestics.

 

[Farabi]

The poster clearly has an agenda against abdullah. He advocates for players to being successful at domestics when abdullah averages overs 50 there, but has no problem with Tayyab tahir who he said is an all format players with a FC average of 34 which is lower than abdullah's international's. Abdullah 160 against Sri Lanka is better than his Tayyab tahir's and Farhan could ever dream of playing even in domestics.

1. I have no agenda against Abdullah Shafique. In fact, I believe he shouldn’t be dropped. His technical flaws need to be addressed, but that won’t happen unless the team management lets go of their obsession with the idea of a “textbook” batter.

2. I’ve repeatedly clarified that Tayyab Tahir is not an all-format batter. His strong List A record makes him a solid candidate for ODIs, and he should be backed in that format. Resorting to misrepresentations like this only shows you’re unable to make a valid argument and instead rely on weak fallbacks.

 

[Farabi]

Abdullah shafique averages near 40 in test cricket. Please tell me any other opener averaging that.

Abdullah Shafique has played all his Test cricket in Asia, and when you look at the averages, Imam sits at 37 while Abdullah is at 38—not exactly a huge gap.

Abid Ali, on the other hand, has a much stronger record, averaging nearly 50 as an opener.

Abdullah is definitely a good batter, no doubt about that. But let’s be clear—he’s not as exceptional as some are making him out to be. His technique has some major flaws. Just because someone can hit a few nice drives with a high elbow doesn’t automatically make them a high-class player with perfect technique. We should look at data.

 

[khyberlion]

1. I have no agenda against Abdullah Shafique. In fact, I believe he shouldn’t be dropped. His technical flaws need to be addressed, but that won’t happen unless the team management lets go of their obsession with the idea of a “textbook” batter.

2. I’ve repeatedly clarified that Tayyab Tahir is not an all-format batter. His strong List A record makes him a solid candidate for ODIs, and he should be backed in that format. Resorting to misrepresentations like this only shows you’re unable to make a valid argument and instead rely on weak fallbacks.

You called Tayyab tahir an all format player. Than backtracked. You are the one who's misrepresented me in first place. Maybe apply it to yourself before calling others?

The only one who has obsession with textbook is you, which is a main theme in your posts when it comes to batting. Abdullah is clearly better than most of the rubbish which we have at domestics when it comes to test cricket.

We have seen how awful we're the alternatives in Farhan who's can't play anything above waist high or pace. Huraira who I actually like is another who struggles against pace and he's been struggling in domestics in the last 2 years. Abdullah needed to be dropped and he needs to go back on his game.

 

[Farabi]

Seems like knowing anything cricket related is not your cup of tea. I have always been critical of Abdullah shafique, weather it be his technique, being a mental midget and a scared kitten while batting.

There is no doubt he has some potential which is ultimately wasted due to the way he bats. When I mean potential I am talking about our pitiful batting standards.

I don't honestly remember calling him high class. I don't want to derail this thread but let me provide one of your many gems. Tayyab tahir is an all format player for Pakistan. That alone shows your knowledge or the lack of when it comes to batting.

@DeadlyVenom

My issue with Abdullah Shafique is the preferential treatment he received, which he didn’t deserve. What were his performances in List A that justified him being considered in ODIs ahead of more deserving openers like Shan Masood and Haseebullah?
Was it not his “technique” that so called experts think is perfect.

 

[Farabi]

You called Tayyab tahir an all format player. Than backtracked. You are the one who's misrepresented me in first place. Maybe apply it to yourself before calling others?

The only one who has obsession with textbook is you, which is a main theme in your posts when it comes to batting. Abdullah is clearly better than most of the rubbish which we have at domestics when it comes to test cricket.

We have seen how awful we're the alternatives in Farhan who's can't play anything above waist high or pace. Huraira who I actually like is another who struggles against pace and he's been struggling in domestics in the last 2 years. Abdullah needed to be dropped and he needs to go back on his game.

Well, I corrected myself after reviewing Tayyab Tahir’s data. I base my opinions on data, and after seeing his FC record, it’s no longer my position that Tayyab Tahir is an all-format batter. However, you keep misrepresenting it as if that’s still my view. That’s the below the belt argumentation I am calling out.

Also, I don’t buy into the idea of a "textbook" technique. In fact, that’s exactly what my one-man movement is against—people who claim they know what technique is right.

I believe no one has all the answers, and data should be trusted over subjective judgments, like the ones you made—saying someone "cannot play anything above waist height" or "cannot play pace." I don’t agree with those statements at all.

Just debut the guy with most consistent domestic performance. We don’t need gurus telling us who has “Kitabi” technique nor do we need subjective analysis which are almost always wrong.

 

[khyberlion]

Well, I corrected myself after reviewing Tayyab Tahir’s data. I base my opinions on data, and after seeing his FC record, it’s no longer my position that Tayyab Tahir is an all-format batter. However, you keep misrepresenting it as if that’s still my view. That’s the below the belt argumentation I am calling out.

Also, I don’t buy into the idea of a "textbook" technique. In fact, that’s exactly what my one-man movement is against—people who claim they know what technique is right.

I believe no one has all the answers, and data should be trusted over subjective judgments, like the ones you made—saying someone "cannot play anything above waist height" or "cannot play pace." I don’t agree with those statements at all.

Just debut the guy with most consistent domestic performance. We don’t need gurus telling us who has “Kitabi” technique nor do we need subjective analysis which are almost always wrong.

I honestly don't care what you buy into or what your criteria is. All I know Abdullah is better than likes which you have suggested. Textbook, ugly, eye test, he's better than the players which you would want I can guarantee you that.

You seem to have a problem with those stuff but not everyone does. You don't know the difference between ability, textbook technique etc. Once you figure that out it will be easier to understand batting.

I have no interest what you believe or don't. I am yet to be wrong about a player.

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

Data can be equally classed as flawed as domestic champions can look average at international level as the SA series has shown.

Looking at the qualities required for a particular tour should be at the forefront of selection not numbers alone.

If data was the most reliable way many players would not of got an opportunity at international level like Trescothick
who fletcher saw the potential and the characteristics required for international cricket.

Its called having an eye for talent and being able to identify the good from the average.

Going by data alone Ramps would of been a Lara at international level.

 

[khyberlion]

Data can be equally classed as flawed as domestic champions can look average at international level as the SA series has shown.

Looking at the qualities required for a particular tour should be at the forefront of selection not numbers alone.

If data was the most reliable way many players would not of got an opportunity at international level like Trescothick
who fletcher saw the potential and the characteristics required for international cricket.

Its called having an eye for talent and bring able to identify the good from the average.

Going by data alone Ramps would of been a Lara at international level.

Root had 30 odd average in FC so did Brook before making their debuts. The poster is very confused with ability and eye test

 

[Farabi]

Data can be equally classed as flawed as domestic champions can look average at international level as the SA series has shown.

Looking at the qualities required for a particular tour should be at the forefront of selection not numbers alone.

If data was the most reliable way many players would not of got an opportunity at international level like Trescothick
who fletcher saw the potential and the characteristics required for international cricket.

Its called having an eye for talent and being able to identify the good from the average.

Going by data alone Ramps would of been a Lara at international level.

Data can be flawed, and eye tests can be spot-on, but overall, data tends to be more reliable. In Pakistan though, most people have no clue how use data. Data is usually used selectively in a biased way.

1. A lot of myths pop up around certain selections, but they’re often just fluff. We should dig into the facts with players like Trescothick and Lara. Did they play domestic cricket, and what were their numbers like before getting picked? Take the myth about Imran Khan discovering Inzi in the nets—it’s been debunked several times. Inzi was already dominating Pakistan’s domestic scene before his selection.

2. Sure, there may have been a few cases where selections were based more on eye tests than numbers, but those are pretty rare. The proven formula for success is data-driven selections. Just look at India. They gave Gill and Jaiswal a couple of seasons to prove themselves, even though there was a lot of hype around their talent at the U19 level. But did we let Abdullah develop in domestic first? That’s the kind of process we need in our system—prioritizing process over individual opinions.