Pakistan’s Squad Selection Raises Serious Questions Ahead of Sri Lanka Series

The Pakistan Cricket Board’s announcement of the squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka has sparked widespread debate, with several selection decisions drawing sharp criticism from fans and analysts alike.

The most notable omission is Babar Azam, who misses the series due to his prior commitments in the Big Bash League (BBL). While Babar has not been dropped on performance grounds, his absence raises concerns, especially with the ICC World Cup approaching and Sri Lankan conditions expected to closely resemble those of the tournament. The decision effectively deprives Pakistan of its most reliable batter in a crucial preparatory series.

Equally controversial is the recall of Shadab Khan, who has been selected after featuring in only two matches in Australia. While Shadab’s past credentials are unquestioned, his recent inclusion appears to be based more on reputation than sustained performance. Moreover, Australian conditions bear little relevance to the slow, spin-friendly pitches Pakistan will encounter in Sri Lanka, calling into question the timing and logic of his comeback.

In contrast, Sufyan Muqeem has once again been overlooked despite delivering consistent performances across multiple tournaments and conditions. As a left-arm spinner with proven control and adaptability, Muqeem would have been a more natural fit for Sri Lankan pitches, making his exclusion particularly puzzling.

The batting selections have also raised eyebrows. Fakhar Zaman has been recalled despite an extended run of poor form in T20 internationals, where his inconsistency has increasingly turned him into a liability rather than an asset. His selection comes despite a lack of recent performances that justify another opportunity at the international level. Meanwhile, Maaz Sadaqat, who has been delivering strong performances across domestic and franchise cricket, has failed to find a place in the squad. His omission suggests that consistent domestic output continues to carry limited weight in national selection decisions.

Adding to the debate is the inclusion of Khawaja Nafay, who has been handed a potential debut despite not producing standout performances that clearly separate him from other contenders. His selection has fueled perceptions of inconsistency in selection criteria.

In the bowling department, Naseem Shah has been recalled despite not producing any notable performances that would clearly warrant an immediate return to international cricket. At the same time, Abbas Afridi and Ahmed Daniyal, both of whom have delivered strong performances in recent outings have been left out, raising further questions about fairness and meritocracy.

Pakistan’s pace attack will also miss two senior bowlers. Shaheen Shah Afridi is unavailable due to a reported injury, while Haris Rauf has not been selected without a detailed explanation, weakening the fast-bowling depth for the series.

Overall, the squad announcement has highlighted persistent concerns regarding Pakistan’s selection policy, particularly the apparent preference for established names over consistent performers. With the Sri Lanka series serving as a critical step toward World Cup preparations, the effectiveness of these decisions will be closely scrutinized once play begins.