KARACHI: Pakistan cricket team selector Asad Shafiq has addressed the omission of young wicketkeeper-batter Haseebullah Khan from the national squad for the ongoing tour of New Zealand.
Speaking to the media at a private university in Karachi on Thursday, Shafiq explained that Haseebullah was given an opportunity in Australia, however, he suffered an injury later which ruled him out from further action.
He assured that once the left-handed batter regains full rhythm, he will be reconsidered for selection.
“Haseebullah was given a chance in Australia, but he was sidelined due to injury. Once he finds his rhythm again, he will get another opportunity,” Shafiq stated.
For the unversed, Haseebullah, who has represented Pakistan in one ODI and three T20Is, suffered a hand injury during practice ahead of Pakistan’s home Test series against West Indies earlier this year. A ball struck his hand, causing a wound that required stitches.
Having regained fitness, he is currently playing for Quetta Region in the National T20 Cup, where he has scored 57 runs in three games at a strike rate of 86.36.
Asad Shafiq, while addressing the broader selection process, reiterated that Pakistan’s new players have been picked purely based on domestic performances.
He emphasized that the selection committee’s primary objective is to reward top-performing domestic players with opportunities at the national level.
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“Our job is to give domestic performers a chance. Whoever performs will get an opportunity,” he asserted.
With the T20 World Cup approaching, Shafiq explained that the squad is being built with a long-term vision. Given the high-risk nature of T20 cricket, he stressed the importance of testing players in different conditions.
“T20 cricket involves more risks, which is why it’s important to give players proper opportunities. Every player selected in the squad will get a fair chance,” he assured.
Asad Shafiq also addressed concerns regarding the frequent chopping and changing in the team, stating that players will not be dropped after just one failed series.
“We also want every player to get a proper chance. No one will be sidelined based on just one bad series,” he affirmed.
Apart from Haseebullah Khan, Shafiq also discussed young pacer Mushtaq Kalhoro, confirming that he is in the selection committee’s long-term plans, along with several other promising domestic talents.
“All players are in our plans. Whoever performs in domestic cricket will get an opportunity,” he concluded.
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