Sarfraz Nawaz slams selectors for dropping Aamir and Abbas

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan fast bowler and Melbourne hero Sarfraz Nawaz has expressed concern over the raw selection that saw some undeserving cricketers making their way into the Champions Trophy team at the expense of in-form and tested ones.

Speaking exclusively to The News from London, where he currently resides, Sarfraz ripped into the selectors for dropping Aamir Jamal and Abbas Afridi, two high-class all-rounders, in favor of Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah and Mohammad Hasnain.

“Pakistan carried Aamir and Abbas for months, hoping they would be our go-to players when the moment arrived. But when the time finally came, some untested and rejected cricketers were suddenly drafted in! How can Faheem and Khushdil have made it into the squad when they haven’t played much international cricket in the last two years.”

Sarfraz emphasized that Hasnain is not suited for Pakistan/UAE conditions, and his inclusion seems illogical if Pakistan plan to play him against India on February 23.

“Abbas Afridi was tailor-made for these conditions. His absence will be deeply felt in Pakistan’s white-ball campaign..”

Blasting Khushdil’s selection, Sarfraz said, “He is neither a specialist bowler nor a specialist batsman.”

Sarfraz further argued that Champions Trophy demands specialists who can deliver match-winning performances in at least one department.

“Selectors would rue the exclusion of Abbas Afridi and Aamir Jamal. The two are far better than the a few selected on the team for Champions Trophy.”

He also questioned the lack of a second specialist spinner alongside Abrar Ahmed.

“Why are we so afraid of backing specialists? Instead, we are relying on half-cooked, part-time all-rounders. This flawed policy will never help Pakistan build a competitive and winning combination.”

Sarfraz did not hold back when criticizing the pitches prepared for the West Indies series, arguing that Pakistan shot itself in the foot by setting up rank turners instead of balanced tracks.

“West Indies are naturally attacking cricketers. A bit of spin in the wicket would have been enough to trouble them while allowing our batsmen to settle ahead of the Champions Trophy. Instead, we created extreme turners that shook the confidence of our top batsmen, including Babar Azam.”

He called this strategy counterproductive, warning that it could hurt Pakistan’s preparations for the big tournament.

Despite his harsh critique of the team selection, Sarfraz applauded PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for his swift and efficient management in revamping Pakistan’s cricket infrastructure.

“It is almost unimaginable to see stadiums being upgraded in such a short time. Credit must be given where it is due. I congratulate Mohsin Naqvi and his team for silencing critics from across the border who spreading rummors and getting the job done.”

Ending on a positive note, Sarfraz urged all cricket lovers to pray for and support Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign.

“We must stand behind PCB and ensure this event is a success. My prayers and best wishes are with the PCB and its chairman who have taken every positive step to make these venues ready for the Champions Trophy.”

With the Champions Trophy fast approaching, Pakistan’s selection choices are under the microscope. Whether these decisions lead to triumph or disaster only time will tell!