Pakistan were undone by Zimbabwe in their Group 2 fixture on Thursday at Perth as they lost the thrilling match by 1 run. Pakistan’s batting once again faltered under pressure failing to chase down the target of 131 set by Zimbabwe. Following Pakistan’s embarrassing defeat former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has once again raised questions over Shoaib Malik’s exclusion from the team.
Before the start of the Asia Cup in September, it was reported that Malik will get included in the Pakistan team to help them with their middle-order woes. However, the all-rounder was ignored by the selection committee despite his impactful performances in the last year’s 20-20 World Cup. Pakistan’s middle order once again left their team in a miserable position as no other batter other than Shan Masood spent some time at the crease.
Speaking to A Sports, where Malik was also part of the panel, Akram said that had he been the captain, he would have asked for Shoaib’s inclusion in the World Cup squad and would have argued over his absence from the team. He then launched a scathing attack on Babar Azam for not being intelligent enough with his choices and calls.
‘If I had been the captain, what would be my end goal?’ – Akram
“Ek saal se Pakistan, including us (Malik, Waqar Younis and Misbah ul Haq) knew that middle order slightly weak hai. Ab yeh ladka baitha hai Shoaib Malik. Main agar captain hota, mera end goal kya hota…to win the World Cup. Agar usske liye mujhe gadhe ko bhi baap banana pare main banaunga because mujhe World Cup jeetna hain,”(We know it since past one year that Pakistan middle order is slightly weak. This man is in front of me Shoaib Malik. If I had been the captain, what would be my end goal? To win the World Cup. Even if I had to do anything, I would do it as I want to win the World Cup) Akram said.
Agar mujhe Shoaib Malik chaiye toh main chairman and selector ko jaake kahunga ki I will not play World Cup if I don’t get my player. But aisa koi hain nahin. Babar ko aur akalmand hona parega. Yeh woh moholle ki team nehin hai ki mera jaanne wala aa jayega. Agar main hota toh iss ladke ko (Malik) sabse pehle middle order main leta,”(If I want Shoaib Malik I will talk to the Chairman or Selector. I will not play World Cup if I don’t get my player But no one is like that. This is not a society team that I will include my known players. If I had been the captain, I would,’ve taken Shoaib in the middle order) he said.
Pakistan will play their next match on October 30 at the Perth Stadium against the Netherlands.
