New Delhi: Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has lashed out at Pakistan team management for releasing young spinner Abrar Ahmed from the squad ahead of the first Test match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.
On August 17, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that Abrar and Kamran Ghulam were released from the squad to join Pakistan Shaheens in the second four-day match against Bangladesh A, which starts on August 20, just one day before the first Test.
The PCB mentioned that the selectors wants to field an all-pace attack in Rawalpindi and they wanted Abrar to get some match-time ahead of the second Test, which has now been shifted from Karachi to Rawalpindi.
Akmal, who played 53 Tests for Pakistan between 2002 and 2010, questioned Jason Gillespie-led coaching staff’s decision to drop the 25-year-old Abrar. The former Pakistan opener feels this move has shattered the youngster’s confidence.
“With Jason Gillespie (Pakistan’s Test head coach), we are talking about the Australian mindset. But can Australia play without Nathan Lyon? Will India play without Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja? No, they won’t. You have Abrar, but you have shut down his confidence so much,” Akmal told Cricket Pakistan.
“Due to personal likes and dislikes, that boy (Abrar) has been ruined. His fitness and off-the-field issues were highlighted, and because of that, you’ve spoiled that boy and harmed Pakistan,” said Akmal.
Abrar has picked 38 wickets in just six Test matches at an average of 31.07 since making his Test debut in December 2022.
Salman Ali Agha to turn the ball in Abrar Ahmed’s absence
With no frontline spinner in the team for the first Test, the onus will be on Lahore-born Salman Ali Agha to chip in with his off-breakers. Salman has bowled more than 10 over per innings in his last six Test matches since 2023. He also rolled his arms Down Under last year. He has claimed 12 dismissals in as many matches thus far.
“I have played before in Australia as a lone spinner in the side and it is not new for me. When I bat I consider myself as a batsman and when I bowl I am confident to consider myself as a pure bowler,” Salman told the media on Sunday.
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has lashed out at Pakistan team management for releasing young spinner Abrar Ahmed from the squad ahead of the first Test match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
