Pakistan Cricketers Clash Over Captaincy and Selection Policies

Pakistan cricketers Imam-ul-Haq and Ahmed Shehzad engaged in a heated debate on live television, sparking controversy over the leadership of Babar Azam and the selection policies of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Shehzad, who has represented Pakistan in 13 Tests and 81 ODIs, accused Azam of favoritism and questioned the decision to reinstate him as captain after the team's disappointing performance at the 2023 Cricket World Cup. He argued that senior players should be rested against weaker opponents to provide opportunities for younger talent, citing the example of Team India's Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Imam, on the other hand, defended Azam's captaincy, stating that the board had made the decision to remove and reinstate him without his consent. He emphasized Azam's strong performances in the past, including reaching the semifinals in 2021 and the final in 2022.

Shehzad countered by expressing frustration over the lack of opportunities for young players, claiming that some players are given preferential treatment despite poor form. He also questioned the fairness of Shaheen Afridi's removal as captain.

Imam responded by asserting that his stance on these issues would remain consistent regardless of his age or contract status. He promised to continue advocating for transparency and fairness in the selection process.

The debate has raised concerns among Pakistan supporters, who fear that it could impact the team's performance at the upcoming T20 World Cup. The men in green will face hosts USA in their opening game on June 6, followed by a highly anticipated clash against India on June 9.

Tags: #PakistanCricket, #BabarAzam, #AhmedShehzad, #ImamUlHaq, #PCB