Who are the top 3 spinners that Misbah-ul-Haq needs to develop in preparation for 2023 World Cup?

[Thunderbolt14]

Who will do well in India? Who will be fit in three years time? Who can develop quickly enough? Currently, the only centrally contracted limited overs spinners are Shadab and Imad. There are many spinners in domestic and PSL but none of them look to be introduced any time soon even though there are only three years remaining.

Discuss.

 

[TeymurBlake]

Umer Khan is one for me. Maybe Zafar Gohar is another.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

How and when will these guys be introduced? We’re barely playing any LOIs in the next year so it’s actually just 2 years...

 

[shamaan]

How and when will these guys be introduced? We’re barely playing any LOIs in the next year so it’s actually just 2 years...

Its going to be hard for them to break in to the squad becouse imad and shadab are all rounders were umer is just a spinner

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Its going to be hard for them to break in to the squad becouse imad and shadab are all rounders were umer is just a spinner

I think they will begin by phasing Imad out. He’s unfit, will be moreso in three years, and doesn’t turn the ball as much. Shadab will remain because of his all round capabilities.

Simultaneously, they need to begin phasing Umer Khan into the side who can be our mystery spinner for the WC. They can begin phasing him in for the 2021 T20 WC in India.

Zafar Gohar can be phased into the Test side for simultaneously and if he performs exceedingly well then he can be given a limited overs run soon. If these processes start to happen by 2021 then we can put up a good fight in 2023.

Otherwise, we are guaranteed to lose the WC.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Shadab is garbage too. Can't believe people rate him.

 

[Hadi Rizvi]

Umer Khan
Zafar Gohar
Hassan Khan (that QG kid from PSL 2016 and PSL 2017)
Usama Mir (very underrated)

The least I expect of Misbah is he might develop future spinners for Pakistan especially in Tests

 

[Hadi Rizvi]

I think they will begin by phasing Imad out. He’s unfit, will be moreso in three years, and doesn’t turn the ball as much. Shadab will remain because of his all round capabilities.

Simultaneously, they need to begin phasing Umer Khan into the side who can be our mystery spinner for the WC. They can begin phasing him in for the 2021 T20 WC in India.

Zafar Gohar can be phased into the Test side for simultaneously and if he performs exceedingly well then he can be given a limited overs run soon. If these processes start to happen by 2021 then we can put up a good fight in 2023.

Otherwise, we are guaranteed to lose the WC.

Apart from his physique, what makes you think he's unfit?

He's an excellent fielder, powerful batsman and runs well between the wickets. How can you say he is unfit?

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Apart from his physique, what makes you think he's unfit?

He's an excellent fielder, powerful batsman and runs well between the wickets. How can you say he is unfit?

He's fat, been pictured clubbing during the world cup. Clearly he isn't a serious cricketer. Also his batting is overrated. He scored when it's a lost cause, he rarely helps chase a target. And what is this about his excellent fielding? He's not at all, he's pretty mediocre at it.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Apart from his physique, what makes you think he's unfit?

He's an excellent fielder, powerful batsman and runs well between the wickets. How can you say he is unfit?

Tbh it’s mostly his physique. He’s definitely match fit which is why I’m not calling for him to be kicked out immediately. I actually really like him as a player. I just don’t think he’s getting any younger (31 right now on paper, god knows if he’s actually older) and isn’t getting any fitter either. He will be 34 by the time of 2023. If he was a pure spinner with true deceiving capabilities I would still consider him an option but in my opinion he is more of a utility player rather than someone who will function as a strike bowler on Indian pitches in the world cup.

Does that kinda make sense?

 

[Thunderbolt14]

He's fat, been pictured clubbing during the world cup. Clearly he isn't a serious cricketer. Also his batting is overrated. He scored when it's a lost cause, he rarely helps chase a target. And what is this about his excellent fielding? He's not at all, he's pretty mediocre at it.

Well he did have the Afghanistan game. Not many remember how close we were to being humiliated. But anyways who are your spinner suggestions keeping Indian pitches in mind?

 

[shamaan]

I think they will begin by phasing Imad out. He’s unfit, will be moreso in three years, and doesn’t turn the ball as much. Shadab will remain because of his all round capabilities.

Simultaneously, they need to begin phasing Umer Khan into the side who can be our mystery spinner for the WC. They can begin phasing him in for the 2021 T20 WC in India.

Zafar Gohar can be phased into the Test side for simultaneously and if he performs exceedingly well then he can be given a limited overs run soon. If these processes start to happen by 2021 then we can put up a good fight in 2023.

Otherwise, we are guaranteed to lose the WC.

I think so azwell 3 years is along time correct he doesnt turn the ball and he isnt the fittest.shadab does all three at a good standard. Umer khan isnt a mystery spinner but yes a very good spinner. Ad for zafar gohar he should be in the test squad defo

 

[shamaan]

Shadab is garbage too. Can't believe people rate him.

How is he garbage please explain

 

[shamaan]

Apart from his physique, what makes you think he's unfit?

He's an excellent fielder, powerful batsman and runs well between the wickets. How can you say he is unfit?

He isnt an excellent fielder were did u get that from.hes powrrful Bateman but he hasnt won matches yet

 

[shamaan]

Well he did have the Afghanistan game. Not many remember how close we were to being humiliated. But anyways who are your spinner suggestions keeping Indian pitches in mind?

That's the only match were hes won the game for pakistan other than that nothing at all.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Can Usama Mir be a viable prospect? He has height and a high arm action but he doesn’t seem to have improved in the last two years

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Well he did have the Afghanistan game. Not many remember how close we were to being humiliated. But anyways who are your spinner suggestions keeping Indian pitches in mind?

The Afghanistan game he should have been out twice but the umpire made huge errors.

As for spinners to groom, I really like Zafar Gohar and Sajid Khan the off spinner.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

How is he garbage please explain

Poor bowling average against top teams, slowpoke with the bat. He bowls way too much short pitched rubbish and has very poor control. Too much variations and can't keep a consistent stock ball.

 

[Hawkeye]

I'm not seeing any real world class spinner prospect.

Have to search for more.

 

[Junaids]

Shadab Khan
Zafar Gohar
Sajid Khan

Covers all 3 bases (lbg, sla, ob) and they can all bat.

There will come a time when Pakistan is 200-5 after 40 overs chasing 300 to win, so requiring 100 runs from the last 60 balls.

At that time how well numbers 7, 8 and 9 can bat will be crucial, because Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi ain't going to score any runs at all.

So for Pakistan the batting of the spinners will be more important than their bowling!

 

[ahmadharis1]

Zafar Gohar
Mohammad Asghar
Usama Mir

 

[hitthestump]

Zafar Gohar
Mohammad Asghar
Usama Mir

Not a great pool for LOI cricket tbh. Not writing them off but they all need to do a lot of work to break into the side.

Zafar is a good spinner and can bat a bit too, but is there room for him and Imad in the same team? Good chance Imad will still be around by the next WC.

Ashgar can't bat at all. His bowling is good but it's a big weakness in our batting side if you assume Naseem and Shaheen will already be 10 & 11.

Usama Mir lacks control and will be vulnerable to getting really smashed in India.

 

[Hawkeye]

So,

As expected, I keep hearing the same old names that keep getting repeated for half a decade.

Asghar
Usama
Zafar
Shadab
Imad Wasim

None of these are Test class spinners who can be one of the best in the world. When are we going to get one? I'm not sure, we have to scout, really scout.

Zafar Gohar seems decent, but likely won't become world class.

 

[Bezli]

Shadab is garbage too. Can't believe people rate him.

Garbage? He’s young and will get better.

 

[nextover666666]

Due to Covid 19 it's pushed things back it seemed like Usman Qadir and kashif bhatti were next in line wanted to see what they can do but it's really tough personally I would around a pool of 7-8 players and pick top 3-4.

M Ashgar
Umer khan
Kashif bhatti
Usman Qadir
Zafar Gohar
Shadab khan
Imad wasim

Ideally I'd like to move away from Shadab and imad time to inject new blood
In the team

 

[Square Drive]

Need Zafar Gohar and Umer Khan to be introduced. Those two alongside Shadab and Imad should be fine.

Imad can play more of a Hafeez/Malik role, and can move up the order a bit, meaning we can play another two spinners (preferably Shadab and Zafar, with Umer on the bench) alongside him.

Liked Usama Mir but haven't heard much about him at all lately.

 

[Markhor]

Shadab lacks control. His form has nosedived these past 12 months. Plus I haven't seen a single significant batting contribution in white ball cricket from him.

Imad is an economical second spinner at best but certainly not a strike bowler, but is capable of useful lower order runs.

I'd look at Zafar Gohar and Umer Khan. Sajid Khan has struggled so far in List A cricket.

 

[Hasan123]

Hopefully we can have a right arm off spinner, leg spinner, and left arm spinner.

I would definitely like to see Zafar Gohar get a chance.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Shadab Khan
Zafar Gohar
Sajid Khan

Covers all 3 bases (lbg, sla, ob) and they can all bat.

There will come a time when Pakistan is 200-5 after 40 overs chasing 300 to win, so requiring 100 runs from the last 60 balls.

At that time how well numbers 7, 8 and 9 can bat will be crucial, because Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi ain't going to score any runs at all.

So for Pakistan the batting of the spinners will be more important than their bowling!

Not Umer Khan? Let’s say you’re selecting purely on spin merit. Sajid doesn’t at all come off as a Limited Overs spinner to me.

My pool would be

Umer
Zafar
Shadab

Shadab would take the AR middle order role possibly along with Imad Wasim like [MENTION=100918]Square Drive[/MENTION] mentioned (though with his lack of turn I would consider Imad to be very ineffective). Umer Khan and Zafar would function as the strike bowlers

 

[Rana]

Shadab and Imad to play as our All-rounders.

Iftikhar needs to bowl more now, he can bowl decent overs without going for too many runs. Plus the guy bats better than Shadab and Imad

Shadab
Imad
Iftikhar

3 guys who can contribute 20-30 overs and can all bat well enough to contribute 100 runs at least with the bat

 

[HarunPakCricket]

Who will do well in India? Who will be fit in three years time? Who can develop quickly enough? Currently, the only centrally contracted limited overs spinners are Shadab and Imad. There are many spinners in domestic and PSL but none of them look to be introduced any time soon even though there are only three years remaining.

Discuss.

Aarish Ali Khan
Zafar Gohar
Mohammad Mohsin
Umer Khan

All these options and watch them go to India with Imad and Shadab.

 

[Titan24]

Shadab is garbage too. Can't believe people rate him.

He is the best young leggie we have and is probably the best fielder in Pakistan and his batting was impressive in this year’s PSL. His all round ability aside, unfortunately I cant think of a a better young leggy than Shadab. Usama Mir is decent but he has to do something to get attention, being at the end or middle of bowling tables and not playing consistent 4 day cricket (His stats are poor in the format atm) doesnt help him.

 

[Titan24]

Zafar Gohar and Umer Khan will have to come into scheme of things at some point. Problem which Pak has is that the only two somewhat decent all rounders we have are spinners in Imad and Shadab.

You cant have a specialist spinner playing with them unless you compromise on batting depth by removing one of them or you play only 2 pacers(Not an option).

Not having a decent pace bowling all rounder means we dont have much roam to experiment with specialist spinner. Though Zafar Gohar, Umer Khan and anyone who emerges in between the WC does deserve some chances to know what they can add and if they add enough that Pak can forgo batting depth to play one of them. By the way Zafar can bat decently too.

 

[Waqar's inswinging yorker]

You are right regarding theneed for utility.

Those suggesting specialist spinners, would then surely be aware that a fast bowling all rounder will need to play.

Composition of our team

2 explosive openers
3-6 includes keeper, anchor and 2 batsman with a 85sr+

7 to 11 (#7, #8 average 20+,with one to be 30+) has to have 2 solid all rounders and a split of 3 pace to 2 spinners.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Zafar Gohar is definitely someone that deserves a legitimate shot. He can bat a little bit too.

Umer Khan is probably a little bit too young and raw to call up at the international stage but he is someone to look out for as well.

 

[TeymurBlake]

You could bring Umer Khan into the LOI side and Zafar Gohar could be utilise into the Test setup.

 

[shamaan]

Poor bowling average against top teams, slowpoke with the bat. He bowls way too much short pitched rubbish and has very poor control. Too much variations and can't keep a consistent stock ball.

His average against india south africa and New Zealand is below 30 that ain't poor he isnt the best but neither is the worst

 

[shamaan]

His average against india south africa and New Zealand is below 30 that ain't poor he isnt the best but neither is the worst

Also hes the best fielder in pakistan by a country mile

 

[ahmedzee]

Umer Khan
Zafar Gohar
Hassan Khan (that QG kid from PSL 2016 and PSL 2017)
Usama Mir (very underrated)

The least I expect of Misbah is he might develop future spinners for Pakistan especially in Tests

Funny question, how many of these got a central contract?

 

[shamaan]

Funny question, how many of these got a central contract?

Apparently they going to get contracts for the best emerging,best batesmans bowlers in domestic so look foward to seeing that

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Funny question, how many of these got a central contract?

Central contracts were mainly for players who have already been capped. Only exception was Haider Ali.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

You could bring Umer Khan into the LOI side and Zafar Gohar could be utilise into the Test setup.

This is what I feel. And if Gohar starts performing in Tests, introduce him to LOI some time later

 

[Nasty Naz]

Funny question, how many of these got a central contract?

Pure prospects don't really get central contracts. Haider Ali is basically the only one and that is because he is an outstanding young talent and while some of those spinners have decent domestic numbers, they don't exactly blow you away.

You could quibble with Rauf and Hasnain getting emerging contracts but they have shown plenty of potential and Rauf in particular will probably be on T20 WC squad considering his success in BBL and the WC is in Australia.

 

[TeymurBlake]

This is what I feel. And if Gohar starts performing in Tests, introduce him to LOI some time later

Yep. If Zafar performs in the Test circuit then bringing him in for the LOI is a good idea.

 

[Rana]

My XI if the World Cup was tomorrow,

Imam
Fakhar
Babar
Harris
Haider
Shadab
Iftikhar
Imad
Rizwan
Amir
Shaheen
Naseem/Rauf

3 fast bowlers
3 decent spinners

 

[Salman4.]

Umer Khan
Zafar Gohar
Hassan Khan (that QG kid from PSL 2016 and PSL 2017)
Usama Mir (very underrated)

The least I expect of Misbah is he might develop future spinners for Pakistan especially in Tests

Hassan Khan
LMAO
Dude doesn't even make the PSL sides.

 

[aloo paratha]

Umer Khan and Shadab Khan.

 

[Nasty Naz]

My XI if the World Cup was tomorrow,

Imam
Fakhar
Babar
Harris
Haider
Shadab
Iftikhar
Imad
Rizwan
Amir
Shaheen
Naseem/Rauf

3 fast bowlers
3 decent spinners

I guess one way to beat other teams is to use 12 players.

 

[Rana]

I guess one way to beat other teams is to use 12 players.

lol I just realised

I think Fakhar drops for Haider opener

 

[Barragan]

I'd go for Asghar and Umer Khan, along with Shadab.

Imad as an A/R will also be key.

 

[Rana]

Harris isn’t too bad an option either to get a few overs through in the middle or to buy wickets. In the sub continent he would be ok as well

 

[BoomBoomCricket]

Misbah's contract doesn't last till the 2023 World Cup.

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

Harris isn’t too bad an option either to get a few overs through in the middle or to buy wickets. In the sub continent he would be ok as well

Haris would have been an ideal 5th bowling option in tests (allowing the ability to have a full pace attack), but because of his previous knee issues and general level of fitness, he can't get through 30 overs a day.

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

Zafar Gohar and Umer Khan will have to come into scheme of things at some point. Problem which Pak has is that the only two somewhat decent all rounders we have are spinners in Imad and Shadab.

You cant have a specialist spinner playing with them unless you compromise on batting depth by removing one of them or you play only 2 pacers(Not an option).

Not having a decent pace bowling all rounder means we dont have much roam to experiment with specialist spinner. Though Zafar Gohar, Umer Khan and anyone who emerges in between the WC does deserve some chances to know what they can add and if they add enough that Pak can forgo batting depth to play one of them. By the way Zafar can bat decently too.

Look, I think the point on spin bowling alrounders is completely relevant. However, after this year's PSL I have a feeling that Shadab is leaning towards become a batting all-rounder or indeed a batsmen who can bowl spin (ala Shoaib Malik). I think, if he works on his off stump game, that's not actually impossible. If he does, it frees up the space for an extra pace bowling all-rounder.

I hope that lads like Abbas Afridi may well be that candidate. I think Hasan Ali after his back issues will orient more towards becoming a batting all rounder as well, as the potential is there.

Such a scenario would allow specialist spinners to come into the fold. I would personally like to see Zafar Gohar and Umer Khan given a go in Tests and T20s respectively. Clearly lots of ifs and buts!

However, I also hope to see Usama Mir and Mohammad Mohsin develop. The impression I got in the PSL was that they both didn't spin the ball enough and I saw a distinct lack if variations. I'm happy to accept that that's mire because of the format than their true abilities.

Sajid Khan has usually been suggested as a decent shout as the only upcoming off spinner in Domestic cricket. He has a strange action and he still needs atleast one more strong domestic season to press his claims.

Mohammad Asghar, from what I've read o this forum, seems to have regressed. Happy to be corrected on this.

Lastly, really interested to see how Arish Ali Khan develops. That boy can spin the bowl, however it'll be interesting to see how he develops with another season of domestic cricket. Didn't help in the PSL that Azam Khan was consistently picked over him in the QG side, due to their wafer-thin middle order.

Doesn't help that's he's yet another left-armer in a sea of left arm bowlers (Imad, Nawaz, Umer, Zafar Gohar, M Asghar)

 

[Titan24]

Look, I think the point on spin bowling alrounders is completely relevant. However, after this year's PSL I have a feeling that Shadab is leaning towards become a batting all-rounder or indeed a batsmen who can bowl spin (ala Shoaib Malik). I think, if he works on his off stump game, that's not actually impossible. If he does, it frees up the space for an extra pace bowling all-rounder.

I hope that lads like Abbas Afridi may well be that candidate. I think Hasan Ali after his back issues will orient more towards becoming a batting all rounder as well, as the potential is there.

Such a scenario would allow specialist spinners to come into the fold. I would personally like to see Zafar Gohar and Umer Khan given a go in Tests and T20s respectively. Clearly lots of ifs and buts!

However, I also hope to see Usama Mir and Mohammad Mohsin develop. The impression I got in the PSL was that they both didn't spin the ball enough and I saw a distinct lack if variations. I'm happy to accept that that's mire because of the format than their true abilities.

Sajid Khan has usually been suggested as a decent shout as the only upcoming off spinner in Domestic cricket. He has a strange action and he still needs atleast one more strong domestic season to press his claims.

Mohammad Asghar, from what I've read o this forum, seems to have regressed. Happy to be corrected on this.

Lastly, really interested to see how Arish Ali Khan develops. That boy can spin the bowl, however it'll be interesting to see how he develops with another season of domestic cricket. Didn't help in the PSL that Azam Khan was consistently picked over him in the QG side, due to their wafer-thin middle order.

Doesn't help that's he's yet another left-armer in a sea of left arm bowlers (Imad, Nawaz, Umer, Zafar Gohar, M Asghar)

Points well made.

If we can develop a decent pace bowling all rounder that would be great as it will allow Pak to have those combinations which they cant go for at the moment. At the same time we have some really good genuine pace bowling talent available so Abbas Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, Amir Yamin, Amad Butt etc will have to work extra hard on their bowling to compete and at the same time show enough skills with the bat to fill that no 8 position.

Hassan Ali has some good natural hitting ability with the bat but never paid enough attention their, hopefully now during his treatment time he can improve that aspect of his game if allowed.

Another option is a good spinner who can bat well enough for no 8. Muhammad Mohsin is a pretty good batsman and rather was a specialist batsman a season or to ago but has developed into one of the better white balls leg spinner too. Zafar Gohar has some skills with the bat as well which he showed in U19 WC, 32 I think on his ODI debut and his only international match along with a century in this QAE season showing he is working on that. Usama Mir has some skills with the bat too but unfortunately needs to come into the radar again by performing with the ball first. Nawaz is a better batsman then these names but he needs to improve his bowling, still young though so he can do that. Sajid Khan also can bat pretty well, has a century in FC cricket but, he hasnt featured much in white ball cricket recently which I hope he does going forward to sharpen his skills.

Umer Khan who I am a big fan of will probably need a pace bowling all rounder in Pak squad to get a chance as his batting isnÂ’t something of note at the moment.

Imad has been good with the bat but he will be around 34, 35 by the next WC and his fitness hasnt been his strength. He is a decent no 7 to have when you have a 6th bowling option which we are currently seeing with Iftikhar Ahmed post Malik and Hafeez but just like Imad, IftikharÂ’s sustainability by the next world cup will be some thing to look forward too.

So along with the main and all round spinners we might need to try out batsmen like Saud Shakeel and others who can add that 6th bowling option (3rd spin option) for WC in India. Yuvraj Singh’s role as a 6th bowler was pretty important for India in 2011 WC.

Overall everything is dependent upon how some of the current specialist spinners and and all rounders develop along with how team management helps them develop by giving the opportunities at international stage.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Misbah's contract doesn't last till the 2023 World Cup.

He’s still responsible for developing the spinners starting now. Now is the time.

 

[bizenjo]

Look, I think the point on spin bowling alrounders is completely relevant. However, after this year's PSL I have a feeling that Shadab is leaning towards become a batting all-rounder or indeed a batsmen who can bowl spin (ala Shoaib Malik). I think, if he works on his off stump game, that's not actually impossible. If he does, it frees up the space for an extra pace bowling all-rounder.

I hope that lads like Abbas Afridi may well be that candidate. I think Hasan Ali after his back issues will orient more towards becoming a batting all rounder as well, as the potential is there.

Such a scenario would allow specialist spinners to come into the fold. I would personally like to see Zafar Gohar and Umer Khan given a go in Tests and T20s respectively. Clearly lots of ifs and buts!

However, I also hope to see Usama Mir and Mohammad Mohsin develop. The impression I got in the PSL was that they both didn't spin the ball enough and I saw a distinct lack if variations. I'm happy to accept that that's mire because of the format than their true abilities.

Sajid Khan has usually been suggested as a decent shout as the only upcoming off spinner in Domestic cricket. He has a strange action and he still needs atleast one more strong domestic season to press his claims.

Mohammad Asghar, from what I've read o this forum, seems to have regressed. Happy to be corrected on this.

Lastly, really interested to see how Arish Ali Khan develops. That boy can spin the bowl, however it'll be interesting to see how he develops with another season of domestic cricket. Didn't help in the PSL that Azam Khan was consistently picked over him in the QG side, due to their wafer-thin middle order.

Doesn't help that's he's yet another left-armer in a sea of left arm bowlers (Imad, Nawaz, Umer, Zafar Gohar, M Asghar)

I wouldn't say Asghar has regressed, he's just stumbled into limbo because he doesn't get much chances, especially in the PSL, even though he was a key bowler for Zalmi in the first 2 seasons.