Pakistan captain Babar Azam has defended the decision to leave out fast bowler Mohammad Abbas from the playing XI for the second and final Test against West Indies, but the call has triggered a wave of criticism from fans and former cricketers.
Pakistan announced four changes to their team for the series decider at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, with Abbas’ exclusion standing out as the most surprising.
The seamer had been the visitors’ standout performer in the first Test at Tarouba, picking up eight wickets in the match including his seventh five-wicket haul in Test cricket. He finished with figures of 3 for 63 in the first innings before returning 5 for 22 in a 15.5-over spell in the second innings.
Speaking to former West Indies captain Ian Bishop at the toss, Babar ruled out any injury concern and said the decision was tactical.
“It was down to conditions,” Babar said.
He added that Pakistan felt the slower surface at Port of Spain suited a different bowling combination, prompting the team to bring in a second spinner. Off-spinner Sajid Khan came into the side alongside pace bowler Ubaid Shah, who was handed his Test debut.
Mohammad Ali kept his place as the other specialist quick bowler. The other changes saw Abdullah Shafique return in place of the injured Shan Masood, who suffered a fractured left index finger, while debutant Awais Zafar replaced all-rounder Aamer Jamal.
The move raised eyebrows given Abbas’ record since his return to the Test side in December 2024.
He has been Pakistan’s leading pace wicket-taker in that period and has historically thrived on slow, low pitches, including strong returns in the UAE and during Pakistan’s recent tour of Bangladesh. His career Test bowling average sits among the best of any Pakistan bowler with a substantial career.
Ubaid Shah, who came in with Sajid, went for 30 runs in his first four overs and finished the opening day with figures of 1 for 56 from nine overs, picking up the wicket of Amir Jangoo.
Reaction to the decision was swift and largely unforgiving. Former Pakistan batter Bazid Khan wrote on social media, “Abbass dropped! Playing with 5 specialist bowlers didn’t last long.”
Fans online were just as vocal. One user wrote, “Interesting choice.” Another wrote, “How dare he gave us hope that this team can be saved 💀.” A third simply said, “Typical PCB😂.”
Several comments questioned the wider selection process rather than just the Abbas decision.
One user asked, “Why not Babar Azam drop himself from the team? Rest for England series.” Another wrote, “Such a strange odd international cricket team. They don’t help themselves 🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️.”
Others focused on the cricketing logic behind leaving out the side’s best bowler from the first Test. One fan wrote, “Line and length works everywhere… I really don’t understand.” Another added sarcastically, “We have best decision makers and selectors.. 😅.” A further comment was blunter still, “Stupid selection.”
West Indies reached 239 for 5 at stumps on day one.
West Indies currently lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test by 90 runs in Tarouba. Pakistan will next travel to England for a three-match Test series, where Abbas is expected to return to the side given his strong record in English conditions.
He has taken 171 wickets at an average of 20.49 in County Championship cricket for Nottinghamshire and Hampshire.
