Srinagar: Former Pakistan cricketer Aaqib Javed has lashed out at Pakistan cricket selectors and also said the opening pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan isn’t going win Pakistan tournaments.
“These two openers are not going to win you tournaments … Take the two openers [Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan], No.1 and No.2 players in the world. But such a player should know what to do. The vice-captain [Rizwan] plays for 15 overs – starts playing when the asking rate is 8 and leaves after taking it to 17! [in the Asia Cup final that Pakistan lost to Sri Lanka],” said Aaqib Javed was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.
Former Pakistan pacer also lashed out at selectors for sticking with underperformers like Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah and Asif Ali.
“Paanch saaal mey ghuma-ghuma ke [in 5 years] Iftikhar Ahmed has come back 4 times. Same with Asif Ali and Khushdil Shah,” Aaqib said. “Until you have an eye on it (feeder system below the national teams) and see who can come up to replace, this will keep happening. I don’t know how we are going to get out of this situation,” he added.
Pakistan on Thursday announced 15 member squad for T20 World Cup 2022 Australia. Fakhar Zaman was dropped while Shan Masood included. Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah and Asif Ali retained their places despite having poor Asia Cup 2022.