"We need a bowler who can bowl with the new and old ball, so Hassan Ali is the best choice for that": Inzamam-ul-Haq

[MenInG]

Inzamam-ul-Haq speaking to the press after announcement of Pakistan's World Cup squad:


On Sarfaraz and Imad's non selection:

"I do have powers to select players but I cannot close doors on any player; Selection is open for all players, for Sarfaraz and Imad Wasim as well; Imad has not played ODI cricket for a very long time; Anyone who needs to play for Pakistan has to perform in domestic cricket; Let me make this clear that performances in Pakistan's domestic cricket will be counted and will be the main criteria because we want players to play in our domestic cricket which will improve our cricket"


Why Mohammad Amir was not selected:

"We all know that Mohammad Amir has been a good player and he has retired from international cricket; If he wants to play for Pakistan again, then all doors for him like everyone else are open; You come and play in First-class cricket and perform well, then you will be considered for selection; Like I have said, the PCB nor the selection committee is closing doors for selection for anyone; This is decision which is upto each player; Whoever wants to play for Pakistan needs to play in our domestic cricket and perform well; This applies to Mohammad Amir or any other player and this is my answer to anyone who asks me this kind of question"


Comparison between Mohammad Nawaz and Kuldeep Yadav in same conditions in Asia Cup:

"You have come up with some good stats on both bowlers but let me say that I cannot select Kuldeep Yadav (laughter from all present)..for me that's an issue as he is from another team...


On Naseem Shah and the news that he could have taken part in some games in the World Cup:

"Let me clarify that it is not possible that we play someone in some portions of the World Cup without an injury to another player and permission of the technical committee; Apart from that, unfortunately, the medical reports we have is that he will be out of cricket for a longer period than just the World Cup; This is unfortunate because in my view the way he was bowling with the new ball and at death, he appeared to be the World's best bowler; This is a huge loss for us and also for Naseem himself and we pray to the Almighty that he will regain fitness and play more for Pakistan in the future"


On choice of Hassan Ali for the World Cup squad:

"Those who have seen Hassan play in the LPL and other matches, you will see that he has performed well and is also an experienced bowler, he may not have played international cricket in recent times, but he has played in mega events for Pakistan in the past and has also performed well in big events"

"With Naseem Shah ruled out, we need a bowler who can bowl with the new ball so Hassan Ali is the best choice for that; He bowls well with new and old balls, has experience and I feel he is a team man, because whenever he is around, there is energy in the team"

 

[MenInG]

Full transcript of Inzamam's press conference from PCB:

It is the biggest cricketing event of the year. We hope that the squad we have selected return with the World Cup trophy.

Q: Hasan Ali has been out of international cricket for a while. Considering it is a mega-event, can you tell us the basis of his selection.

Inzamam ul Haq: Before everything else, Naseem Shah’s injury, and other fast bowlers getting injured -- like Hasnain and Ihsanullah, constricted our pace bowling options. Hassan Ali is an experienced bowler, even though he has been out of international cricket for a while. He has performed for Pakistan in mega events. We had to replace Naseem Shah. Hassan Ali can bowl with the new ball and the old ball as well, and he is experienced.

Q: Considering that you did not attend the review meeting, is it because you had already made up your mind about the World Cup squad after the Asia Cup?

IuH: I was not able to attend the review meeting because I had a personal commitment. The meeting with the chairman was to review the injuries incurred during the Asia Cup. The coaches and captain were called to ask if they need any help or support from the PCB. We wanted to see where we could improve; what resources we could provide to the team, what medical facilities were needed and if there was anything else that the team needed. It helped with their morale.

Q: Considering the spin conditions of India, can you elaborate on the combination of the team you have selected?

IuH: Pakistan team has been playing with this combination for the past year. I did not want to tweak the combination a lot. We have kept Abrar [Ahmed] in the reserves, in case there is any need. I did not want to make too many changes. The three spinners [Shadab Khan, Usama Mir and Mohammad Nawaz] have been with the team and are good players. They need to work harder to be effective in the middle overs, as it is very important for the spinners to play their role in the middle overs.

Q: We saw that Zaman Khan did well in the Asia Cup match. Why has Hassan Ali been selected over Zaman Khan?

IuH: Hassan Ali was injured during the Asia Cup. He was my first choice back then, but he was not cleared and that is why we went with Zaman Khan. Zaman is with the team in reserves as he is a good bowler especially in the death. But in an event of this kind, we need someone who has experience.

Q: Our players seem out of touch before the mega-event. As the chief selector, what are your hopes for the World Cup?

IuH: We are hoping that the team will do well. Pakistan is the number one team. They had just two bad games in the Asia Cup. We discussed this extensively during our meetings. We reviewed whether our players are playing too much cricket. They played the Test series [against Sri Lanka], LPL, Afghanistan series, and then the Asia Cup. That was a long stretch of cricket, especially in hot and humid conditions. But otherwise, we are the number one team so we should have good hope from the team.

Q: Faheem Ashraf was given a chance in the Asia Cup, but dropped afterwards. What has been the rationale behind that?

IuH: We had the opportunity to name 17 players for the Asia Cup but this time we could name 15 players only. So we had to look on the team combination closely. We realised that winning matches in India requires proper fast bowling options who can get you wickets, especially in the middle. So we have tried to make sure that we pick bowlers who can get us wickets.

Q: There are varying reports on Naseem Shah. Could he have been taken to India and played in the latter half of the World Cup?

IuH: We cannot play someone half a world cup. Unfortunately, as far as I know according to the medical review reports, Naseem will be out for a longer period. He was bowling really well for Pakistan and I consider him one of the best bowlers in the world right now. While Pakistan will suffer from his loss, we should pray for his speedy recovery.

Q: Hasan Ali has been out of ODI cricket for a long time; was there any pressure to get him in the side?

IuH: There was no pressure. We had to look at various factors. We have been struggling to pick fast bowlers because of injuries. It was not just Naseem’s injury. Which is why we focused on choosing experienced players as we wanted someone familiar with the conditions and could take the pressure of a big event like the World Cup. That is why we picked Hasan Ali.

Q: Imad Wasim has been performing in the CPL and Sarfaraz Ahmed has done well in domestic cricket. Were they considered?

IuH: While I am the selector, I am not keeping anyone out of the team. The doors are open for both Sarfaraz Ahmed and Imad Wasim. They have been out of ODI cricket for a long time, but if Pakistan requires them, they will be picked. I would like to highlight that we count performance in Pakistan’s domestic cricket and anyone who does well there would be considered for selection. There are no two ways about it.

Q: Is there anything being done to manage and monitor player workload?

IuH: I do not decide whether a player plays in white ball or red ball. That is the player’s choice and we respect that. However, we will be monitoring how much league cricket is being played by one player and what Pakistan’s commitments are at that time. In my opinion, for example, playing for two or three months in Sri Lanka can cause fatigue and can be detrimental for the player. We will be reviewing that as it falls under our work, but we cannot control whether a player plays red or white ball cricket.

Q: Whose input was taken for the selection and was Shan Masood considered?

IuH: In the selection meeting, we just require the captain and coach. When it comes to Shan Masood, we had considered him. He was in the 25 names sent to ICC a month earlier. He is great player, but we could not fit him in the 15. While Fakhar has been a bit out of form, he has performed well for Pakistan for the past few years. He is a game-changer. Abdullah Shafique has performed too. The competition is healthy as it raises the standard of performance. All players, whether selected for the World Cup squad or not, are great options.

Q: Our spinners did not do as well as other players like Kuldeep Yadav in the Asia Cup. Can you elaborate on the choice of spinners in the team and if there would be any bowling coach announced to help them?

IuH: I could not select Kuldeep Yadav, he is not from Pakistan. We have selected Shadab and Nawaz because we wanted continuity. The world cup squad is planned for year ahead, and cannot be changed abruptly. Shadab and Nawaz have been doing very well for Pakistan for the past two years. They have not been taking wickets in the middle and performing up to their own caliber but they have done so in the past and we have confidence in them. Usama Mir’s presence provides options. The coaching set-up right now, with Morne [Morkel] as the coach, should be continued. When I was the chief selector last time, we used to call domestic performers to the academies according to the needs of the Pakistan team. We can send specialised coaches right now as well to overcome our struggles.

Q: Was Mohammad Amir considered for selection?

IuH: I am unaware about Mohammad Amir’s status. He is a good player but he is retired. If he takes his retirement back and does well, he will be considered [for selection]. The PCB does not close doors for anyone. Whoever wants to play, should play first-class cricket. If they give performances there, they will be considered for the team. This is not just about Mohammad Amir, this is about everyone who wishes to play for Pakistan.

Player	Overs	Mdns	Runs	Wkts	E/R	Wd	NB

 

[hitthestump]

Justifiable comments.

Inzi is a sensible character.

Couldn’t imagine a presser where he says “yes we picked Saim Ayub for the mystery factor” like some clown.

He is a thoughtful, intelligent man and this squad has been picked on logic rather than emotion.

 

[Rana]

What List A or FC cricket has Hassan Ali played recently?

Are they using red ball fc performances to count for white ball 50 overs?

 

[Rana]

How much FC/List A games has Zaman Khan played to be given to go ahead over Amir?

Or is this also a T20 inspired selection?

 

[Rana]

Since Rizwan was dropped for the national Test side,

How much red ball FC cricket has he played??!

 

[Markhor]

Pretty clear answers from Inzy in fairness, he didn't dodge any questions.

Admitted Hasan Ali was picked because the alternatives were injured which isn't a ringing endorsement of him

Calls out Shadab and Nawaz by name for not performing well enough in middle overs.

The most dubious part though is about domestic performances being the main criteria for selection. Zaman Khan has a List A bowling avg of 62. I suspect the omission of Amir comes from Babar not wanting to rock the boat. Moeen Ali retired from Tests but Ben Stokes still contacted him for the Ashes.

 

[Rana]

Hassan Ali’s last List A match was in December 2022 (9 months ago)

He was clearly picked on recent T20 performances in LPL…why does the same criteria not apply to Amir and Imad???

 

[MenInG]

Hassan Ali’s last List A match was in December 2022 (9 months ago)

He was clearly picked on recent T20 performances in LPL…why does the same criteria not apply to Amir and Imad???

Amir's situation is clear.

He retired.
He has not taken back his retirement.
He is therefore not available.

 

[Rana]

Amir's situation is clear.

He retired.
He has not taken back his retirement.
He is therefore not available.

Come on man do you really think it’s as simple as that?

Everyone knows that if Amir is asked to come back he will simply tweet that he is available for selection.

They don’t want him! They don’t like him!

 

[BouncerGuy]

Hassan Ali’s last List A match was in December 2022 (9 months ago)

He was clearly picked on recent T20 performances in LPL…why does the same criteria not apply to Amir and Imad???

The whole scenario is that Babar has backed his player. That is the whole point of this squad. We were not expecting 7-8 changes anyways. Amir was nowhere near to be even considered. Imad was knocking on the door but bad luck for him.

 

[MenInG]

Come on man do you really think it’s as simple as that?

Everyone knows that if Amir is asked to come back he will simply tweet that he is available for selection.

They don’t want him! They don’t like him!

If Amir says he wants to comeback, he will call Inzi/Babar/Mickey

If they dont respond, he will be within his rights to go to SM And say he asked but no one responded

 

[Rana]

The whole scenario is that Babar has backed his player. That is the whole point of this squad. We were not expecting 7-8 changes anyways. Amir was nowhere near to be even considered. Imad was knocking on the door but bad luck for him.

Babar has been stubbornly making false calls for ages…who’s reigning him in?

 

[Savak]

Come on man do you really think it’s as simple as that?

Everyone knows that if Amir is asked to come back he will simply tweet that he is available for selection.

They don’t want him! They don’t like him!

Tbh Amir has done all the wrong things to not be selected. He refused a contract with the PCB in 2020 and criticized them for offering him a contract. He has been critical of Babar on various shows. He has shown zero hunger to play for Pakistan in the last few years and he hadn't taken back his retirement.

Can understand why Babar refuses to have him back in the team based on the above.

 

[Rana]

Tbh Amir has done all the wrong things to not be selected. He refused a contract with the PCB in 2020 and criticized them for offering him a contract. He has been critical of Babar on various shows. He has shown zero hunger to play for Pakistan in the last few years and he hadn't taken back his retirement.

Can understand why Babar refuses to have him back in the team based on the above.

Babar isn’t Pakistan! Babar should know that there are certain times and circumstances where he needs to put his personal ego aside and just get on with it!

 

[Marooned]

More like sucks equally with new and old ball.

 

[RidiculousMan]

Justifiable comments.

Inzi is a sensible character.

Couldn’t imagine a presser where he says “yes we picked Saim Ayub for the mystery factor” like some clown.

He is a thoughtful, intelligent man and this squad has been picked on logic rather than emotion.

In hindsight pretty good that Inzamam was there. Even cricket experts think twice before arguing with Inzamam on something. If he were not here in this position. We could've seen the panic button being pressed after the Asia Cup.

 

[RidiculousMan]

Babar isn’t Pakistan! Babar should know that there are certain times and circumstances where he needs to put his personal ego aside and just get on with it!

Babar is a much bigger asset to Pakistan right now than Amir is.

Besides Amir is retired. What he has to complain now?

 

[Rana]

Babar is a much bigger asset to Pakistan right now than Amir is.

Besides Amir is retired. What he has to complain now?

Bigger Asset in what way? Scoring soft runs?

 

[RidiculousMan]

Hassan Ali’s last List A match was in December 2022 (9 months ago)

He was clearly picked on recent T20 performances in LPL…why does the same criteria not apply to Amir and Imad???

So were everyone else's last domestic List A games.

Imad could've made his way in the squad but alas.

 

[Rana]

So were everyone else's last domestic List A games.

Imad could've made his way in the squad but alas.

So the list A excuse is a joke?

 

[RidiculousMan]

Bigger Asset in what way? Scoring soft runs?

Elaborate the me what are exactly soft runs and what's the other side to soft runs. Present me a case for Babar as being a player who scores soft runs. Show alternative current active players who are better than Babar in ODIs. Don't say just Kohli, because he's superior to Babar and almost everyone else in the history of Cricket.

 

[Rana]

Elaborate the me what are exactly soft runs and what's the other side to soft runs. Present me a case for Babar as being a player who scores soft runs. Show alternative current active players who are better than Babar in ODIs. Don't say just Kohli, because he's superior to Babar and almost everyone else in the history of Cricket.

Why do I need to justify anything to a person who himself is called ‘ridiculous man’?

Soft runs: 151 against Nepal…but then goes missing against India and Sri Lanka in must win games

Case closed

 

[RidiculousMan]

So the list A excuse is a joke?

Hasan played in Pakistan's last List A Cricket. Which was 9-10 months ago. The new season is yet to begin. So what else would selectors consider for a case for a player in the World Cup besides the List A 50 Overs Cricket?

 

[RidiculousMan]

Why do I need to justify anything to a person who himself is called ‘ridiculous man’?

Soft runs: 151 against Nepal…but then goes missing against India and Sri Lanka in must win games

Case closed

That's just my pseudonym. Nothing else really.

Quite a small sample size I would say. But I respect if that's the criteria you take in to make judgements about players.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

That is the reason why Hassan Ali became the best choice for ODIs.

 

[ArabKnight]

Contradictory statements all round.

I can’t understand how these people have no shame sitting in front of media and rambling unjustly.

 

[Justcrazy]

He used to be a solid Bowler , and a good hitter down the order . If he works hard and bowls the way he used to , he can be handy.

 

[Firebat]

That is the reason why Hassan Ali became the best choice for ODIs.

View attachment 136663

His bowling average >60 and his batting average <20. The complete opposite of any possible selection criteria

 

[Rana]

That is the reason why Hassan Ali became the best choice for ODIs.

View attachment 136663

They should also present statistics of his tweets praising Babar and team Pakistan

Those stats kept him in contention

 

[Cricket Warrior]

They should also present statistics of his tweets praising Babar and team Pakistan

Those stats kept him in contention

yeah that tweet was bigger than his performance for inzi bhai.

but trust me if he doent perform now, this worldcup would be his last major tournament.

 

[kron]

That is the reason why Hassan Ali became the best choice for ODIs.

View attachment 136663

Wow that's terrible. Sometimes nepotism is truly amazing in Pakistan cricket. Why fix what's not broken? Our pacers attack is lethal. Leave it just the way it is. If there is an injury bring in someone like ihansullah for the surprise factor. He may even have a purple patch.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Wow that's terrible. Sometimes nepotism is truly amazing in Pakistan cricket. Why fix what's not broken? Our pacers attack is lethal. Leave it just the way it is. If there is an injury bring in someone like ihansullah for the surprise factor. He may even have a purple patch.

Just by the exculsion of Naseem Shah, the entire Pakistan bowling lineup appearing vulnerable now and to make matters worse they have included Hassan Ali in the squad. Now we would be bowling with only 2 front line bowlers!

 

[Asad T]

So in the starting xi, if you go with 3 seamers, would you rather have Hasan Ali or Wasim Jr? Alongside Shaheen & Rauf

 

[Cricket Warrior]

So in the starting xi, if you go with 3 seamers, would you rather have Hasan Ali or Wasim Jr? Alongside Shaheen & Rauf

I would prefer to place myself into playing 11 instead of choosing one of them.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

So in the starting xi, if you go with 3 seamers, would you rather have Hasan Ali or Wasim Jr? Alongside Shaheen & Rauf

i think hassan ali is slightly better than Wseem Jr if he gets the new ball to bowl.

Again i would repeat "Slightly better" else both are crap!

 

[kron]

i think hassan ali is slightly better than Wseem Jr if he gets the new ball to bowl.

Again i would repeat "Slightly better" else both are crap!

Just unleash zaman khan

 

[moghul]

Its really hard to control your anger, after listening all this BS from Inzi. What exactly he is getting paid for , if he had to announce the same team which was humiliated in SL , with record breaking defeat from India and losing to SL. Same team, same RA full toss bowler as the VC, an aging , short, out of form , with no pace "fast" bowler replaced Naseem, unreal.

 

[moghul]

His bowling average >60 and his batting average <20. The complete opposite of any possible selection criteria

But he is Babar's friend and will provide some entertainment in the dressing room on a long tour in India , I don;t see any other role for this now a club level bowler, Hasan Ali.

 

[AZulfi]

Bad choice.

On a bad day this showboater can easily go for 80 plus runs in 10 overs.

 

[ExpressPacer]

That is the reason why Hassan Ali became the best choice for ODIs.

View attachment 136663

Please also show Amir’s average and economy for the last 10 ODIs he has played. It will not be much better.

 

[ExpressPacer]

They should also present statistics of his tweets praising Babar and team Pakistan

Those stats kept him in contention

While you’re at it, please also show Amir’s average and economy for his last 10 internationals as well. It won’t be much better.

Just because you have short term memory doesn’t mean that everyone else does too bro. I don’t like Hassan either but let’s not act like Amir was good before he was dropped.

 

[Navdeep Srivastava]

While you’re at it, please also show Amir’s average and economy for his last 10 internationals as well. It won’t be much better.

Just because you have short term memory doesn’t mean that everyone else does too bro. I don’t like Hassan either but let’s not act like Amir was good before he was dropped.

90 over 410 run and 20 odd wicket in odi

 

[Navdeep Srivastava]

In t20 32 over 257 run 10 wicket for Amir for last 10 international

 

[mominsaigol]

While you’re at it, please also show Amir’s average and economy for his last 10 internationals as well. It won’t be much better.

Just because you have short term memory doesn’t mean that everyone else does too bro. I don’t like Hassan either but let’s not act like Amir was good before he was dropped.

Problem is that inzi is claiming that amir and imad weren't selected due to not having list A match experience. However hasan Ali, Zaman Khan and Abdullah Shafiq are in due to test or t20 or franchise experience


He's basically being a hypocrite and can't outright admit it's a friendship 11 at its core.

Hasan is doing well in franchise, amir is doing even better. Amir however isn't a babar boot licker on twitter like hasan is though.

 

[Moiza]

Problem is that inzi is claiming that amir and imad weren't selected due to not having list A match experience. However hasan Ali, Zaman Khan and Abdullah Shafiq are in due to test or t20 or franchise experience


He's basically being a hypocrite and can't outright admit it's a friendship 11 at its core.

Hasan is doing well in franchise, amir is doing even better. Amir however isn't a babar boot licker on twitter like hasan is though.

Is anyone of you even following CPL?

The poor guy cant seem to string 3 overs together without pulling one of the many muscles in his body. Everything aside, Amir doesnt deserve to be in the team on fitness alone. He would be expected to bowl 90 overs in a months time which anyone following Amir now a days would know is a distant reality.

 

[Moiza]

Bigger Asset in what way? Scoring soft runs?

I understand the hate toward Babar after the recent AC but have you really followed PCT for the last 4 years? The guys is bossing teams around at home and away.

 

[brokenrecord]

If the Asia Cup was supposed to be a semi trial for the remaining spots—why isn’t Zaman Khan replacing Naseem? Why pick Hassan Ali who wasn’t even in the Asia Cup squad? Let’s pluck him out of nowhere and use the LPL to justify this inclusion. Not the international tournament we just took part in.

 

[brokenrecord]

Problem is that inzi is claiming that amir and imad weren't selected due to not having list A match experience. However hasan Ali, Zaman Khan and Abdullah Shafiq are in due to test or t20 or franchise experience


He's basically being a hypocrite and can't outright admit it's a friendship 11 at its core.

Hasan is doing well in franchise, amir is doing even better. Amir however isn't a babar boot licker on twitter like hasan is though.

Agree with the first part. Sarfraz and Imad aren’t considered because they lack recent List A experience. Others are picked due to recent Test, FC or franchise form. He’s not consistent in the same conference.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Problem is that inzi is claiming that amir and imad weren't selected due to not having list A match experience. However hasan Ali, Zaman Khan and Abdullah Shafiq are in due to test or t20 or franchise experience


He's basically being a hypocrite and can't outright admit it's a friendship 11 at its core.

Hasan is doing well in franchise, amir is doing even better. Amir however isn't a babar boot licker on twitter like hasan is though.

The team environment is more important than playing someone who will be only marginally better.

But again, I even doubt that. As much as I dislike Hasan’s bowling, I remember that Amir was atrocious in his final few games for Pakistan.

 

[mominsaigol]

The team environment is more important than playing someone who will be only marginally better.

But again, I even doubt that. As much as I dislike Hasan’s bowling, I remember that Amir was atrocious in his final few games for Pakistan.

That's fine, if amir isn't the answer, I feel sad that ihsanullah is injured. The guy has a few line and length issues but once their ironed out he'll easily be the best bowler in the unit.

Imagine 150+ pace with naseem Shah Level line and length, that's one killer bowler.

 

[Shafi]

That's fine, if amir isn't the answer, I feel sad that ihsanullah is injured. The guy has a few line and length issues but once their ironed out he'll easily be the best bowler in the unit.

Imagine 150+ pace with naseem Shah Level line and length, that's one killer bowler.

I heard he is not injured. He is playing fast class league. Inzi is just another guy who just want money but do nothing just like Haroon, Miandad....

 

[Sherazkhalid]

Ladoo bowler, I see him getting hit for 80-90 runs at least once if he bowls his full quota.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Ladoo bowler, I see him getting hit for 80-90 runs at least once if he bowls his full quota.

we can easily tacle this issue, just dont give him all 10 overs to bowl, only allow him 4 to 5 overs that's how we can keep him in between 50 to 60 runs which still would be an achievement for him

 

[Syed1]

How far he has fallen from being the bowler of the tournament in 2017 CT. I wonder why this happens to Pakistani cricketers after they get some success.


This guy focused more on his style, antics and image rather than his actual performance.

 

[Bilal7]

Inzamam once again showing why he is the best Chief Selector than Pakistan cricket has ever had. No knee-jerk reactions, no parchis and no drama.

Hasan isn't one of the best five Pakistani pacers but with several bowlers injured, he was the best choice outside of Amir. I personally would have preferred Abrar in the main squad over Mir because he is still an unknown quantity to most of the cricketing world but you can't really justify that move.

As long as Hasan pulls his weight and the spinners find their form, this should be a successful world cup for Pakistan.

 

[Shafi]

yeah that tweet was bigger than his performance for inzi bhai.

but trust me if he doent perform now, this worldcup would be his last major tournament.

I heard this before!!! He will play minimum 4-5 World Cups considering tournaments happening every 2 years. He still has another 10 years. Since PCB is not really serious of winning big trophies (They are satisfied with one trophy of 50 overs world Cup, 20 over World Cup and Champion trophy) they are just happy to participate and enjoying travelling with families.

 

[Shafi]

Inzamam once again showing why he is the best Chief Selector than Pakistan cricket has ever had. No knee-jerk reactions, no parchis and no drama.

Hasan isn't one of the best five Pakistani pacers but with several bowlers injured, he was the best choice outside of Amir. I personally would have preferred Abrar in the main squad over Mir because he is still an unknown quantity to most of the cricketing world but you can't really justify that move.

As long as Hasan pulls his weight and the spinners find their form, this should be a successful world cup for Pakistan.

Really!! How about Shadab, Fakhar failing matches after matches even against 2rd or 3rd grade players. In World Cup every team will send their best players not 2nd/3rd grade players.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

I hope for Pakistan's sake that this selection works out. It looks like a massive downgrade from Naseem.

Hasan Ali since 19th September, 2018(when Rohit and Dhawan mauled him like a low release height spinner with no spin)

Matches : 26
Wickets : 21
Average : 63
Economy : 6.58

Unless he has increased his pace or is bowling a consistent line at least, this could be a disaster.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Hassan and Naseem are no match if compared. Naseem has developed himself as an All-format bowler with excellent seam and swing. While Hassan has faded away but initially he was a force to reckon with. Hopefully, He can fill in the boots of naseem.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Mir Hamza was also an option for us. He could be X factor for Pakistan in world cup. He is just 31 y.o and have 394 First class wickets and 124 wickets in List-A career with econ 5.23 and Hassan Ali's List A econ is 5.54 and ODI econ is 5.75.

 

[topspin]

Forget what Inzi says, this is a Babar selection.

 

[Moiza]

Forget what Inzi says, this is a Babar selection.

Of course it is and the captain should be the one selecting the players who play in the WC. This is how it should be and we have cried for years to have it this way.

 

[ahmadharis1]

Pakistan pacers have a maximum shelf life of 3-4 years before they are either

1) get found out by teams and lose effectiveness
2) get injured from overuse and lose effectiveness
3) a change in team management/captaincy and dropped forever

Hassan Ali had a good run

 

[mumtaz]

I hope we start with Wasim jnr instead of Hasan. Rauf can take the new ball.

 

[MenInG]

Could Hassan be regaining his form?

Figures of 0/23 in 6 overs vs Australia in warm up

 

[Farabi]

Problem is that inzi is claiming that amir and imad weren't selected due to not having list A match experience. However hasan Ali, Zaman Khan and Abdullah Shafiq are in due to test or t20 or franchise experience


He's basically being a hypocrite and can't outright admit it's a friendship 11 at its core.

Hasan is doing well in franchise, amir is doing even better. Amir however isn't a babar boot licker on twitter like hasan is though.

Yes. But Hassan also went back and played FC, List A, county. He wants to represent Pak in test cricket and he’s also part of the Pak test team.
Amir is exclusively interested in 4 over cricket.

As for Abdullah, he has played and nailed down last FC seasons and he’s already a regular in Pakistan test team.

Zaman Khan is the only exception really, but here again, Inzi said again and again that he didn’t really have many options after the recent injuries. He’s in reserves though

 

[mominsaigol]

Yes. But Hassan also went back and played FC, List A, county. He wants to represent Pak in test cricket and he’s also part of the Pak test team.
Amir is exclusively interested in 4 over cricket.

As for Abdullah, he has played and nailed down last FC seasons and he’s already a regular in Pakistan test team.

Zaman Khan is the only exception really, but here again, Inzi said again and again that he didn’t really have many options after the recent injuries. He’s in reserves though

That is fair. Good point.

 

[owenhcricket]

Could Hassan be regaining his form?

Figures of 0/23 in 6 overs vs Australia in warm up

If you look back at the domestic cricket he has played recently, he looks to be in good form. Plus his more skiddy, varied bowling might work very well on the flatter pitches of India.

 

[Abid Z]

To be fair Hasan played well today. Some good balls upfront nice lines. I can’t think of anybody else on the benches or sidelines who is more deserving

 

[FearlessRoar]

Hassan Ali gets a wicket. He deserves this. he fought for this. he has earned it.

 

[MenInG]

Well done to Inzi for the Hassan call.

 

[MenInG]

Very impressive from Hassan - standing tall amongst the ruins of Pakistan fast-bowling today

 

[hassan918]

Very impressive from Hassan - standing tall amongst the ruins of Pakistan fast-bowling today

He looked the best fast bowler today for Pakistan.

 

[shamaan]

He bowled the best today from both sides and was the difference between the score they got to what they should have got.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Morne Morkel could well be the ideal coach for Hasan. Morkel, like Hasan, was a rhythm and confidence bowler with not a well defined role earlier on in his career. Morkel conquered his weaknesses and developed a lot more control and composure in the second half of his career. (his rpo decreased in tests) and also started adapting to the enforcer role once Philander became a permanent fixture. He could help Hasan massively here.

 

[sam_ahm]

I said at the time when Naseem got injured "for whatever it is worth, they should go with Hasan Ali, his experience will come in handy" As you can see now his experience has come into play and he has done well, he also appears to be working very hard to ensure he doesn't lose his place and stays in the mix even once Naseem is back.

A lot of you at the time wanted Arshad, Hasnain, Zaman Khan, etc... Truth is you cannot push inexperienced youngsters into a World Cup just like that.

 

[sachin-10dulkar]

Hassan Ali was the MVP in the yesterday's match. Sadeera and Mendis were cruising towards 400+ easily.

 

[gazza619]

How times have changed where a 130 kph trundler is a new ball bowler for Pakistan.

Depressing to say the least.

 

[Major]

Well he is getting reverse swing, and guess what, he got a wicket