Premium
This is an archive article published on September 14, 2022

Shoaib Malik should be in Pakistan’s team for T20 World Cup: Inzamam ul Haq

On alleged liking & disliking culture in Pakistan cricket, Inzy said that such allegations have been there in the past and will continue in the future as well.

Inzamam ul Haq, Pakistan cricket team, Pakistan middle order, Pakistan in Asia CUp, Pakistan team sqaud for T20 world cupInzamam had also insisted on revamping Pakistan's middle order. (FILE)

Former Pakistan skipper and national selector Inzamam ul Haq has said that Shoaib Malik should be in Pakistan’s team for the upcoming T20 World Cup to strengthen the middle order which crumbled against Sri Lanka in Asia Cup.

“I think Shan Masood and Sharjeel (Khan) and Shoaib Malik should be in the team, especially in the middle order,” Inzy told reporters in Pakistan. The Babar-Azam-led team suffered two consecutive defeats at the hands of Sri Lanka in the last two Asia Cup matches.

However, responding to a question on Shoaib Malik’s allegations of ‘liking and disliking culture’ in the Pakistan team, Inzamam said, “Such allegations have been there in the past and will continue in the future as well. We must understand that selection is not a one-man decision, there is a team of selectors, coach and captain who take a call (on selection). I can’t comment on friendships, but yes like-dislikes are everywhere.”

Malik, who was dropped after the last T20 world cup, had posted a cryptic tweet which has been interpreted as a comment on his non-selection for Asia Cup. “When will we come out from friendship, liking & disliking culture. Allah always helps the honest…” tweeted Malik after Pakistan lost to Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final.

Defending team’s captain Babar Azam, who finished his Asia Cup 2022 campaign with a total of 68 runs and which was unexpected from the prolific right-hand batter, Inzamam said his form should not be a concern.

“Yes, it has been after a long time that Babar Azam did not score in a tournament. He’s a big player and can get back his form but the biggest concern for Pakistan should be the middle order which did not work for the team. The middle order needs to be changed. Australia (as world cup host) will be a different ball game and selectors must take this into consideration when they pick the team for the T20 World Cup,” he added.

Stay updated with the latest sports news across Cricket, Football, Chess, and more. Catch all the action with real-time live cricket score updates and in-depth coverage of ongoing matches.

Advertisement
Loading Recommendations...
Latest Comment
Post Comment
Read Comments