Former cricketers Kamran Akmal and Basit Ali have voiced concerns over Pakistan cricket’s selection policies, advocating for improvements while strongly endorsing spinner Sufiyan Muqeem. They emphasized that Muqeem’s consistent performances merit greater opportunities at the international level.
In a significant development, Basit Ali advised Muqeem to refrain from posting on his X (formerly Twitter) account, as his reactions to non-selection often trigger unnecessary controversies. He stressed that players should prioritize their on-field performance rather than engaging in social media debates. Basit Ali also recalled instances where players’ emotional responses to being overlooked did not serve their careers well, underscoring the importance of letting performance speak for itself.
Meanwhile, Kamran Akmal highlighted the emergence of several promising young cricketers during the domestic season and the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Alongside Sufiyan Muqeem, he mentioned talents like Samir Minhas, Farhan Yusuf, Saad Baig, Muaz Sadaqat, and Arafat Minhas. Akmal urged selectors to provide these players with more consistent chances, particularly in matches against lower-ranked teams, to nurture their development.
Analysts criticized the selection committee for what they described as erratic decision-making, arguing that current form should be the primary criterion rather than reputation. They expressed concern over the exclusion of in-form players from major tournaments such as the Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup, questioning the fairness of the selection process.
Basit Ali praised Muqeem’s recent performances, noting his significant improvement since joining Karachi’s domestic circuit. He highlighted Muqeem’s ability to take crucial wickets, maintain strong control, and vary his bowling effectively. The experts also called for a structured rotation policy, emphasizing that relying on the same players for extended periods is unsustainable. They advocated for developing backup options and emerging talent, especially in matches against weaker opposition.
The discussion further underscored the necessity for Pakistan to cultivate more all-rounders and consistently integrate young domestic performers into the national setup. This approach is seen as vital for strengthening the team ahead of upcoming ICC events and ensuring long-term competitiveness on the international stage.
