Former Pakistani fast bowler Muhammad Asif has expressed hisdissatisfaction with the selection of players who underperformed in theAsia Cup and still made it into Pakistan’s World Cup 2023 squad. ThePakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently unveiled a 15-member squad for theupcoming World Cup, and it raised eyebrows as star pacer Nassem Shah wasleft out, while all-rounder Shadab Khan, despite a lackluster performancein the Asia Cup, secured a spot.
During the Asia Cup 2023, 24-year-old all-rounder Shadab Khan managed tosecure just six wickets, four of which came against Nepal. In addition, hecould only muster 13 runs in five matches of the tournament. Mohammad Nawazand Agha Salman also failed to make a significant impact with theirperformances on the field.
Media reports had anticipated Shadab Khan’s omission from the ODI World Cupsquad due to his underwhelming performance in the Asia Cup. However, to thesurprise of many, he retained his place in the team, alongside Agha Salman,who struggled to take wickets and scored only 40 runs in four matchesduring the Asia Cup 2023.
Following the squad announcement, Muhammad Asif, the former Pakistanipacer, vehemently criticized the selection of Agha Salman, stating that hedoes not even consider him a player. Asif remarked that Agha Salman tendsto score when Pakistan is already in a commanding position and labeled hima “waste of time.”
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Regarding Pakistan’s current pace attack, Muhammad Asif expressed hisopinion that the bowlers selected for the World Cup squad are merelyaverage, lacking any standout talent. His assessment raises questions aboutthe team’s prospects in the upcoming tournament.
