Wasim Akram on Pakan’s surprise Champions Trophy pick Faheem Ashraf: ‘Bowling average sau ki, batting average nau ki’ | Cricket News

When Pakan selectors threw a curve ball in selection for the home Champions Trophy, Wasim Akram raised polite concern over selection of Faheem Ashraf whom he called an ‘out of blue’ selection.
“Faheem Ashraf was picked, talented cricketer, I wish him best,” Akram said at a franchise cricket press conference, before adding his bemusement over the all-rounder. “Lekin phle 20 matches mein unkind bowling average sau ki, batting average nau ki hai,” Akram deadpanned, hoping that the selected team would deliver despite the boggling pick. Bowling average of 100, batting average of 9, was one of the kinder criticisms of the selection that has stunned Pakan cricket fraternity. Faheem was last spotted in the 50-over Asia Cup in early 2023.
Akram hoped “There was a mindset behind it.” That is to say he prayed it was a thought out, considered call. He also dubbed Khushdil an ‘out of the blue’ pick, as Pakan brought in 4 unexpected names while Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique were ommitted.
Story continues below this ad

Potential for further drama perss, with Pakan Cricket Board (PCB) saying that it can make changes to the squad until February 11 as per the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) rules.
Akram was also surprised Pakan picking only 1 special spinner with Abrar Ahmed, 26, picked in the squad captained Mohammad Rizwan. Abrar has played four ODIs taking 10 wickets with a best of 4/33. “We have picked only 1 proper spinner, while India increased their number from 3 to 4. But I’m sure Pakan selectors considered everything to make the call,” he repeated.
It must be noted India will play in UAE while Pakan will play at home.
Earlier, the selectors had recalled all-rounders Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf and opener Fakhar Zaman, whose inclusion made sense after Saim Ayub was out with an ankle injury. Fakhar last played for Pakan during the 2023 World Cup in India, while Khushdil’s last appearance was in Rotterdam in 2022. Story continues below this ad
Prominent in the changes was dropping of left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, batsman Irfan Khan Niazi and opener Abdullah Shafique from the side that recently played in Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, signalling four changes in the 15-player squad that last played an ODI series in South Africa late last year.
Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, and Sufyan Moqim were replaced Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel national selection committee with member Asad Shafiq saying the PCB had gone for ‘horses-for-courses policy’ while picking the squad. “Our focus has been on selecting players who have consently excelled in domestic competitions under similar conditions, demonstrating their readiness to perform in a global event,” Shafiq had said.
He said that either batting stalwart Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel will open the innings with Fakhar with the hosts starting at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 19. Akram reckoned Babar Azam ought to be asked to open. “Thank God Fakhar was recalled. He’s Pakan’s main batsman I white ball cricket. I would like to see Rizwan bat in middle order and Babar opening because he has good technique. But that’s my opinion,” he said.
He was disappointed that all-rounder Jamal, a long-term prospect wasn’t picked. “Hope there’s a mindset to that,” he reiterated.Story continues below this ad
Akram was happy with the four pacers in the squad – Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Pakan will play run-up Tri-series with South Africa and New Zealand in Karachi and Lahore from February 8-14.