Pakistan cricket team is hanging by a thread in the T20 World Cup 2024 as they are awaiting for results of other Group A games in order to qualify for Super 8.
Pakistan have only won one of their three group games. They managed to lose two back-to-back matches against the USA and India but won against Canada. They have one more match left in the T20 World Cup 2024 against Ireland on June 16.
There were a few calls to include Abrar Ahmed, who is yet to play in the tournament, in the lineup of Pakistan which were ignored by the team management. Despite the team needing him desperately, the management chose to bench him in all of the games.
Talking on a local sports channel, former Pakistani cricketer and captain Shoaib Malik questioned about Abrar Ahmed not being selected in the lineup of Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Shoaib claimed that if Abrar’s social media had been strong, he certainly would have played for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup matches.
“If his social media (presence and following) had been strong then he definitely would have played for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup. There would have been an uproar if he hadn’t played for Pakistan,” said a fuming Malik.
In the same show, former captain Misbah-ul-Haq claimed that when he was part of the selection committee in 2019 and urged to select Abrar in Pakistan’s squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup.
“I said we need him (Abrar). Both of our spinners are out of form. Back then he was not even selected in the 15-member squad then how can we expect them to select him in the Playing XI?” said Misbah.
Abrar debuted for Pakistan in 2024 against New Zealand at home and he showed promise in the two innings he bowled for Pakistan as he took two wickets at an average of 23 whereas in the domestic circuit of Pakistan, Abrar has played 34 matches and has taken 40 wickets at an average of 23.85.
Abrar has also played six Tests for Pakistan and he has taken 38 wickets in them at an average of 31.07. He is yet to represent Pakistan in ODI cricket.
- Abrar Ahmed
