Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal has expressed strong criticism towards the team management’s decision to drop leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed from the 17-man squad for the first Test against Bangladesh. In an interview with Cricket Pakistan, Akmal highlighted the inconsistency in team selection and questioned the rationale behind benching a talented spinner like Abrar.
Akmal drew a parallel with other cricketing nations, stating, “With Jason Gillespie, we are talking about the Australian mindset. But can Australia play without Nathan Lyon? Will India play without either Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja? No, they won’t. You have Abrar, but you have shut down his confidence so much.” He argued that Abrar’s immense potential is being overlooked due to what he believes are personal biases within the management.
Akmal further emphasized the detrimental impact of this decision by referencing the career of Yasir Shah, a once dominant leg-spinner for Pakistan who garnered immense success due to the support received from the management. “Due to personal likes and dislikes, that boy (Abrar) has been ruined. His fitness and off-the-field issues were highlighted, and because of that, you’ve spoiled that boy and harmed Pakistan,” Akmal asserted.
The decision to drop Abrar ahead of the Test match has not only attracted criticism from Akmal but also from other former cricketers. Basit Ali, another former player, expressed his disappointment, stating that a genuine spinner should have been included in the squad.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that Abrar and uncapped batter Kamran Ghulam, both released from the Test squad, would participate in a four-day match against Bangladesh ‘A’ for Pakistan Shaheens. They are expected to rejoin the Test squad ahead of the second match, scheduled to start on August 30.
Pakistan’s decision to opt for an all-pace attack has sparked considerable debate, with many arguing that the absence of a specialist spinner could be a significant gamble in the upcoming series. The controversy surrounding Abrar’s exclusion highlights the sensitive issue of player selection and the potential impact of personal biases on team performance.
