In a surprising move, the Pakistan selection committee dropped mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed and all-rounder Kamran Ghulam from the squad for the first Test match against Bangladesh.
The decision did not sit well with fans and critics alike. Former Pakistan fast bowler Tanvir Ahmed has taken to social media to criticize Waqar Younis and the selection committee for dropping Abrar and Kamran.
For the unversed, Waqar Younis recently joined the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in the strong role of advisor to the chairman, having authority over all cricketing decisions.
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Tanvir Ahmed’s Stinging Critique
Tanvir, known for his candid opinions, didn’t mince words when he took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disappointment. His main target? None other than Waqar Younis.
“Have you all seen? Waqar Younis and the selection committee have removed Abrar Ahmed and Kamran Ghulam from the Test matches against Bangladesh,” Tanvir posted.
But he didn’t stop there. In another post, Tanvir went on to call the selection committee “third-class” for their decision, questioning how such key players could be dropped.
“Where is this Waqar Younis who keeps portraying himself as a big legend? How have these two been dropped?” he added.
A Spin Conundrum for Pakistan
The exclusion of Abrar Ahmed and Kamran Ghulam has left Pakistan with limited spin options for the first Test. Salman Ali Agha is now expected to be the primary spinner for the series.
This decision has sparked concerns among fans and analysts alike, especially given the potential impact on the team’s performance. With Abrar and Kamran out of the picture, Pakistan is going with an all-pace bowling lineup.
Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the pack with Naseem Shah and Mir Hamza expected to support him during the first Test. However, the decision to rely heavily on pace in a series that could benefit from a strong spin attack has raised eyebrows.
Venue Change Adds to the Drama
Adding to the situation, the second Test, initially scheduled to be held in Karachi from August 30 to September 3, has been moved to Rawalpindi.
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The relocation is due to ongoing renovations at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, which is being upgraded ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy.
With all eyes on Rawalpindi, it remains to be seen how the team will perform without two of its promising players. Will the decision to drop Abrar and Kamran pay off, or will it come back to haunt the selectors? Only time will tell.
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