What are Pakistan's options for wicket-keeper batsmen?

[Usman Chadda]

Now I know Sarfraz is flavor of the month for the majority here. Pretty much everyone here is laying into him, justifiably so IMO. Some of the criticism is really harsh, but he has brought this upon himself due to his recent lack of performances. Sad to see a player who dominated Herath in his backyard, has been reduced to this mediocre batsman who gets out to nonsense such as Todd Astle and Kedar Jadhav. Has completely lost confidence in his abilities, and seems to have lost confidence of a lot of fans and personnel in the media. He is not being bashed in mainstream media as much as Inzi or Mickey, but the criticism is there nonetheless.

Now, the main question. Who do we have as wicket-keeping options? Rizwan is worse than Sarfraz and looked like an absolute tail-ender in Australia 2016/17. No one else comes to mind, since I don't really follow domestic cricket as much. All I see is people bashing the living daylights out of a non-performing player, but zero solutions. This thread is for those enlightened individuals who religiously follow domestic cricket and can suggest a few options, who should be in the squad as back-up to Sarfraz.

Please no mention of Kamran Akmal, since that ship sailed a long time ago.

 

[Hasan123]

Domestic cricket may as well be finished if there is no keeper better than this rubbish cricketer.

Any young keeper with potential will suffice for me

 

[Usman Chadda]

Domestic cricket may as well be finished if there is no keeper better than this rubbish cricketer.

Any young keeper with potential will suffice for me

Any names and performances?

This is a serious issue, since I haven't really heard of even ONE wicket-keeper batsman with potential in our domestic cricket. The likes of Rizwan, Saifullah Bangash, Muhammad Hasan etc are not international material.

 

[Mohsin123]

Umair Masood

 

[DRsohail]

Adman akmal.

 

[nextover666666]

He isn't amazing but i think giving bismillah khan a chance in the future would be an option

 

[Usman Chadda]

Guys can we have some info on the performances of the players you are suggesting? Your wish for Sarfraz to be banished from Pakistan cricket will come to fruition only if we have an able replacement in place.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

I am not following domestic as keenly as i used to but Jamal Anwar is the safest wicket keeper in my opinion and Umar Siddique and Abid Ali as keeper batsmen (but both are not specialist keepers). Saw a little of u19 keeper Umair Masood and he looked good too.

 

[TeymurBlake]

This is the problem isn't it, the wicketkeepers we have heard of in the domestic aren't either good enough for international or have had too many chances. Umair Masood needs to time in the domestics for my liking before he can come into the International setup, Rohail Nazir is still too young, Gauhar Ali seems to have disappeared and that's pretty much it. The other unfortunate options are Rizwan, Akmal bros, Mohammad Hasan, Saifullah Bangash. We really need to look into this, we need solid options in WK. I'm also not talking about brilliant batting and quality WKs, because that would be very tricky to occur specially the situation our domestic cricket is at. But Rohail, Umair and potentially if given the chance Gauhar can all be the wicketkeepers that our team needs, specially with the age and form our current captain/WK is in. We must improve and select quality players to improve the depth of our team.

 

[Hasan123]

Any names and performances?

This is a serious issue, since I haven't really heard of even ONE wicket-keeper batsman with potential in our domestic cricket. The likes of Rizwan, Saifullah Bangash, Muhammad Hasan etc are not international material.

I am told by posters on this forum no keeper in Pakistan is better than Sarfraz so I don't see a point in giving names. It's a scary thought that Sarfraz is seen as the best keeper in Pakistan.

 

[moghul]

Anyone but Saifi.

 

[alized]

Rohail Nazir.

 

[Usman Chadda]

I am told by posters on this forum no keeper in Pakistan is better than Sarfraz so I don't see a point in giving names. It's a scary thought that Sarfraz is seen as the best keeper in Pakistan.

For all the talk about us not producing good batsmen, the dearth of wicket-keeper batsmen is a massive issue. I don't see Sarfraz going anywhere until we find someone able enough.

 

[Justcrazy]

Rohail nazir is the answer. He needs to be brought in and groomed.

 

[Faicelkhan1]

I think Ummer Akmal should take wicket keeping seriously

 

[alized]

Rohail nazir is the answer. He needs to be brought in and groomed.

Yea thats right. A 16 year old should be brought in immediately to Test cricket. Pakistani style.

he scored century on First class debut. He walked in with his team on 8/4 in first innings and scored 130 at superb SR of 67. Toke 3 catches to help his team HBL win easily.

 

[MMHS]

It'll be really a hopeless situation for PAK cricket if Sarfraz is the best WK-batsman in the country. It's not only about his current form both with bat & gloves, but the guy has reached to an age when International keepers start to think about retirement. If it's really the case then we are actually at a much better situation in this regard - I have to say. At least there is a succession plan - Mushi is like 32-33, Liton around 23-25, in between Nurul is 26 & quite good with gloves (averages 40 in FC cricket), Mithun actually keeps for his FC & List A team and we have an excellent emerging WK-batsman in Zakir. Anamul also keeps in List A games, and I heard this U19 kid from BKSP Akbar is a fantastic glovesman - but haven't seen, won't back on hype.

I don't think it's a problem of ... again lack of talent. PCB has created this situation deliberately to keep Sarfraz comfortable. I am not sure how people can say that there is no other options when none is given any chance - even for A teams, they are picking Rizwan, who should have been automatic back up for National team without blocking an A-team spot. Rizwan is definitely a better WK than Sarfraz and he can't bat worse than him, MUCH fitter & few years younger as well. For 10 years now Jamal Anwar is keeping well, but might not be that good with bat. Officially, Adnan is just about a year older than Sarfraz and he is definitely a better WK, much fitter as well, and his Test average of 25 looks like gold now. For LO cricket, I think, 3 WKs (excluding Akmal Bros) are scoring decent runs for last few years - Bismillah, Gohar Ali, Siddique & we can add Abid Ali as well. Hasan (?) & Bangas were picked by PSL teams, therefore must not be that bad, while Umair Masood by now has 2-3 years of FC experience, this kid Nazir also had a good start of FC career.

I don't think, situation is that desperate as it's made out to be as last resort for Sarfraz fan base - in that case PAK cricket is definitely finished. After everything tried including dynamic leadership of blanking ZIM & SRL reserves for 10-0, now it has come to the ultimate mantra, which is been over used in PAK cricket - "lack of talent" as last resort. Personally I don't think one needs that much talent to replace a bang average WK, struggling with keeping, batting, fitness (I know about 18.2 ), attitude & leadership - basically every aspect of cricket that he is associated with - what one needs is an opportunity. Most of the names I have listed here (excluding Akmal Bros, for a different reason - all 3 of them are better cricketer than Sarfraz in their respective roles), can easily out perform an average of .... (God knows, not going to waste time adding lots of single digits with 1-2 spikes in between) with bat and definitely with gloves, if they are given an unconditional 10-12 months' free run without any threat (from back ups) & accountability (of performance).

 

[Usman Chadda]

It'll be really a hopeless situation for PAK cricket if Sarfraz is the best WK-batsman in the country. It's not only about his current form both with bat & gloves, but the guy has reached to an age when International keepers start to think about retirement. If it's really the case then we are actually at a much better situation in this regard - I have to say. At least there is a succession plan - Mushi is like 32-33, Liton around 23-25, in between Nurul is 26 & quite good with gloves (averages 40 in FC cricket), Mithun actually keeps for his FC & List A team and we have an excellent emerging WK-batsman in Zakir. Anamul also keeps in List A games, and I heard this U19 kid from BKSP Akbar is a fantastic glovesman - but haven't seen, won't back on hype.

I don't think it's a problem of ... again lack of talent. PCB has created this situation deliberately to keep Sarfraz comfortable. I am not sure how people can say that there is no other options when none is given any chance - even for A teams, they are picking Rizwan, who should have been automatic back up for National team without blocking an A-team spot. Rizwan is definitely a better WK than Sarfraz and he can't bat worse than him, MUCH fitter & few years younger as well. For 10 years now Jamal Anwar is keeping well, but might not be that good with bat. Officially, Adnan is just about a year older than Sarfraz and he is definitely a better WK, much fitter as well, and his Test average of 25 looks like gold now. For LO cricket, I think, 3 WKs (excluding Akmal Bros) are scoring decent runs for last few years - Bismillah, Gohar Ali, Siddique & we can add Abid Ali as well. Hasan (?) & Bangas were picked by PSL teams, therefore must not be that bad, while Umair Masood by now has 2-3 years of FC experience, this kid Nazir also had a good start of FC career.

I don't think, situation is that desperate as it's made out to be as last resort for Sarfraz fan base - in that case PAK cricket is definitely finished. After everything tried including dynamic leadership of blanking ZIM & SRL reserves for 10-0, now it has come to the ultimate mantra, which is been over used in PAK cricket - "lack of talent" as last resort. Personally I don't think one needs that much talent to replace a bang average WK, struggling with keeping, batting, fitness (I know about 18.2 ), attitude & leadership - basically every aspect of cricket that he is associated with - what one needs is an opportunity. Most of the names I have listed here (excluding Akmal Bros, for a different reason - all 3 of them are better cricketer than Sarfraz in their respective roles), can easily out perform an average of .... (God knows, not going to waste time adding lots of single digits with 1-2 spikes in between) with bat and definitely with gloves, if they are given an unconditional 10-12 months' free run without any threat (from back ups) & accountability (of performance).

What did Kamran Akmal give us when he received unconditional backing from selectors till 2013? Can we have some stats please?

There is no one good enough for international cricket. If the point of this exercise is to find a player who performs at the same level as Sarfraz, then we are back to square one. Also did you see Rizwan play in Australia 2016/17?

 

[moghul]

What's wrong with Rizwan, why not him ? A far far better keeper and good batsman too.

 

[MMHS]

What did Kamran Akmal give us when he received unconditional backing from selectors till 2013? Can we have some stats please?

There is no one good enough for international cricket. If the point of this exercise is to find a player who performs at the same level as Sarfraz, then we are back to square one. Also did you see Rizwan play in Australia 2016/17?

Jam ran did few good things - like winning a Test & series against IND, saving couple more as well, but cost PAK as well - so he had to leave, and for 4-5 years despite being among the very best batsmen in domestics, he is not in the team. Most importantly, despite quite good stats (still), he had been cursed by almost everyone in PP, in fact his entire khandan is cursed - even I actually left out 3 Akmal bros. from my consideration.

Difference is, Sarfraz is comfortably worse as I said - still getting unconditional backing from a good section of PP and latest is the “Nazi doctrine” to protect him - that’s, erase any one that can be threat to him. No back up WK for 1-2 years, no deputy assigned since he is Captain..... surprisingly, PCB has done both in last 1 week - surprising indeed.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Jam ran did few good things - like winning a Test & series against IND, saving couple more as well, but cost PAK as well - so he had to leave, and for 4-5 years despite being among the very best batsmen in domestics, he is not in the team. Most importantly, despite quite good stats (still), he had been cursed by almost everyone in PP, in fact his entire khandan is cursed - even I actually left out 3 Akmal bros. from my consideration.

Difference is, Sarfraz is comfortably worse as I said - still getting unconditional backing from a good section of PP and latest is the “Nazi doctrine” to protect him - that’s, erase any one that can be threat to him. No back up WK for 1-2 years, no deputy assigned since he is Captain..... surprisingly, PCB has done both in last 1 week - surprising indeed.

Jog back to 2013, when Sarfraz was the next best thing since sliced bread and Kamran Akmal was the villain of Pakistan cricket. Kamran LOST us numerous matches, on top of his inconsistent batting. In terms of batting talent, Kamran is light years ahead of Sarfraz, no questions about that. He is the only wicket-keeper batsman right now in domestic cricket that has an actual claim of replacing Sarfraz, based on his stellar performances in domestic cricket. But I don't think Pakistan should ever go back to either Kamran or Umar, based on the fact that they will always be found wanting at international level in addition to their usual controversies.

PCB might have protected Sarfraz's captaincy, but they haven't stopped any WK from performing in domestic cricket have they? When the likes of Saifullah Bangash and Muhammad Hasan are selected for our premier T20 tournament, you just know there is zero wicket-keeping talent in the country. Not sure if you are well versed with domestic cricket in Pakistan, but these two are as mediocre as they come. Even Rizwan's selection in the test squad is being blasted, since it looks like PCB only wanted to select a reserve WK irrespective of his quality.

 

[ShahidDar08]

Abid Ali
Umar Sidiq
Umair Masood
Rohail Nazir
Mohammad Rizwan
Saifullah Bangash

 

[Ned Flanders]

Umar Akmal

Honestly, any decent batsman that hasn't been able to get into the side should have started training to become a wicket keeper.

Fawad Alam should've done this.

Ahmed Shehzad should do it too, he's already a decent fielder and has age on his side.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Umar Akmal

Honestly, any decent batsman that hasn't been able to get into the side should have started training to become a wicket keeper.

Fawad Alam should've done this.

Ahmed Shehzad should do it too, he's already a decent fielder and has age on his side.

Ramzan night match kara rahe ho bhai?

 

[hadi123]

There was a similar thread a few months ago but I can't find it. There was one whose name begins with A but can't recall it right now.

Mohammad Rizwan was good at first but was mediocre towards the end of his last stint with his Pakistan side. Maybe he has improved. Don't think he'll get a chance in the upcoming series.

 

[MMHS]

I can see Umair Masood grabbing 7 scalps in his gloves, in his latest innings - is he good enough to average 15 with bat?

 

[msb314]

Rizwan deserves a fair chance as much as anyone else

 

[DRsohail]

I can see Umair Masood grabbing 7 scalps in his gloves, in his latest innings - is he good enough to average 15 with bat?

What you make of Adnan Akmal performance recently?

 

[MMHS]

What you make of Adnan Akmal performance recently?

Doesn’t matter - he is officially already 33. PAK needs WK who are officially U23, so that he can give his best 7-8 years; first 1-2 to learn (& forget what he learned in QeA), next 6 years to deliver & may be 2 more to enjoy senior status. Moin, Yousuf, Bari, Kamran all were officially 19-20 when debuted, Latif like 21 - that’s the ideal age.

 

[Zerotohero]

Give Pak citizenship to Pant

 

[Mr Crickekter]

Is there any wicketkeeper batsmen in Pakistan domestic cricket.....?

It is proved that Sarfaraz will not remain there for long time. Plus Rizwan is a proven failure and should not be near the national team.... Akmal brothers have already lost their chances....
So the question is "IS THERE ANY WICKET KEEPER BATSMEN IN PAKISTAN "
IF not, then can we turn or train someone ....

 

[Sher Khan]

Yes. Mohammad Hassan a very good wicketkeeper batsman.

 

[ShahidDar08]

Umar Akmal should be made wicketkeeper for T20's and ODI's. It will not only strengthen our middle order but also provide us that powrer hitting option that's missing in the current lineup.

He can also be tried as an opener like India did with Rohit Sharma.

 

[Green Patriot]

Can anybody provide stats for wicketkeeper batsmen in the domestics.

Looks like there is no international quality wk/b available.