As the ICC World Cup in India approaches, the Pakistani cricket team is gearing up for the prestigious tournament. With the team’s recent success in the home ODI series against New Zealand, the selection of players has become a topic of debate and speculation. Former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq has shared his opinion on the matter, suggesting that Faheem Ashraf should be given preference over Mohammad Wasim Jr. In this article, we will delve into Razzaq’s reasoning behind this recommendation and also touch upon the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup due to the ongoing issues between India and Pakistan.
1. Faheem Ashraf: The Experienced Choice
Abdul Razzaq believes that when considering experience, Faheem Ashraf is the better choice for the ICC World Cup. Ashraf has been a part of the national team for a considerable period, allowing him to gain valuable exposure and insights into international cricket. His familiarity with the pressure and expectations of high-profile tournaments like the World Cup makes him a valuable asset to the team. By leveraging his experience, Ashraf can contribute significantly to Pakistan’s campaign in the tournament.
2. Mohammad Wasim Jr: Selected Prematurely
Razzaq expresses his concern over Mohammad Wasim Jr’s early selection for the national team. Wasim Jr, hailing from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was fast-tracked into the squad without having played enough domestic cricket. Razzaq believes that it is crucial for players to spend ample time honing their skills and gaining match experience at the domestic level before being thrust into the international arena. By allowing Wasim Jr to develop his abilities in domestic cricket and bowl longer spells, he could have been better prepared for international cricket. The current situation, where he plays a few matches for Pakistan and then sits out for the rest, hinders his growth and development as a player.
3. The Uncertainty of Pakistan’s Participation
Amidst the preparations for the ICC World Cup, a cloud of uncertainty looms over Pakistan’s participation due to the ongoing issues with India. Following India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, the possibility of Pakistan reciprocating by not playing the World Cup in India has emerged. Political differences between the two countries have resulted in a deadlock, leading to discussions about alternative arrangements for the tournament.
4. The Asia Cup Deadlock
The Asia Cup deadlock between India and Pakistan stems from political tensions that have spilled over into the world of cricket. The Indian cricket board has been pressing the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) member boards to move the tournament away from Pakistan. In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed a hybrid model consisting of two options. The first option suggests that India play their matches at a neutral venue, while the remaining matches take place in Pakistan. The second option involves hosting four group stage matches in Pakistan and conducting the matches involving the Indian team, as well as subsequent stages and the final, at a neutral venue.
Conclusion
Abdul Razzaq’s recommendation to select Faheem Ashraf over Mohammad Wasim Jr for the upcoming ICC World Cup carries weight due to Ashraf’s experience and his proven ability to perform in high-pressure tournaments. However, the final decision rests with the selectors, who will consider various factors before forming the team. Additionally, the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup due to the ongoing issues with India adds another layer of complexity to the situation. As fans eagerly await the tournament, they hope for a resolution that allows Pakistan to compete and showcase their cricketing prowess on the global stage
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