Lahore: In a sudden move that appears to show indecision, the interim selection committee on Tuesday included three teenage cricketers in the Pakistan Test squad for the ongoing home series against New Zealand in Karachi. These players are all-rounder Arafat Minhas, batter Basit Ali, and fast bowler Mohammad Zeeshan.
“As part of its strategy and vision to develop, grow, and incentivize high-performing talented youngsters,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated in a press release that was issued on Tuesday, “the Men’s Interim Selection Committee has added three top-performers from age-group cricket to the Pakistan Test squad intending to provide them with international exposure and experience.”
While Bahawalpur Royals’ Basit, who finished the season as the league’s leading scorer with 379 runs, was voted the league’s player and best batter. The Pakistan Junior League’s best batter and all-around player were both Gwadar Sharks’ Arafat. Arafat took nine wickets and scored 178 runs for Gwadar Sharks during the Pakistan Junior League.
In November, he also participated in the Under-19 series that was played against Bangladesh in Multan.
Basit’s PJL teammate Zeeshan, who finished the competition with 14 wickets, was deemed the competition’s best bowler.
The previous selection committee, which was led by Mohammad Wasim, had announced the Test squad that would compete in the series above. The last Saturday, the temporary selection committee made three additions to the team that would compete in the Tests. Sajid Khan, Mir Hamza, and Shahnawaz Dahani played pace bowlers, while Mir Hamza was an off-spinner.
Sahnawaz and Sajid were disqualified from the current Pakistan Cup after just one day by the committee. This indicates that the selectors do not clearly understand their plan.
According to Shahid Afridi, who is serving as the head of the temporary selection committee, they are looking to the future.
“We are not only focusing on the here and now but also looking ahead to the future. According to a previous Pakistani team captain,” in this regard. We have included three outstanding performers from our age-group cricket. So that they can spend time with their national team’s stars learn how to organize and practice for intense games.
“Even though the three players will not be available for selection. Through this effort, they will advance more quickly have a greater understanding of the challenges and requirements of top-level cricket.