Former Pakistan fast bowler Tanvir Ahmed has sharply criticized Waqar Younis and the selection committee following the exclusion of Abrar Ahmed and Kamran Ghulam from the squad for the Test series against Bangladesh.
In an unexpected decision, the selectors dropped leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed and all-rounder Kamran Ghulam from the squad for the first Test, starting on August 21 in Rawalpindi. Instead, both players will feature in a four-day match for Pakistan Shaheens against Bangladesh ‘A’ from August 20 in Islamabad.
Tanvir expressed his frustration and disappointment, particularly targeting Waqar Younis, who has recently been appointed as an advisor to the PCB chief. On social media, Tanvir accused Waqar and the selectors of undermining Pakistan cricket.
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“Have you seen? Waqar Younis and the selection committee have removed Abrar Ahmed and Kamran Ghulam from the Test squad against Bangladesh. Waqar Younis will ruin Pakistan’s cricket,” Tanvir wrote.
He further criticized the selection process as “third-class” and questioned Waqar’s role, asking, “Where is Waqar Younis, who presents himself as a big legend? How have these two been dropped?”
With Abrar unavailable, Pakistan’s spin options for the first Test are limited. Fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Mir Hamza are expected to spearhead the attack, with Agha Salman serving as the primary spinner.
The second Test, initially set to be held in Karachi from August 30 to September 3, has been moved to Rawalpindi due to renovations at the National Bank Stadium in preparation for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Pakistan’s Test squad:
- Shan Masood (C)
- Saud Shakeel (VC)
- Aamir Jamal (subject to fitness)
- Abdullah Shafique
- Abrar Ahmed
- Babar Azam
- Kamran Ghulam
- Khurram Shahzad
- Mir Hamza
- Mohammad Ali
- Mohammad Huraira
- Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
- Naseem Shah
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Ali Agha
- Sarfaraz Ahmed (WK)
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
