Mohammad Amir, Shoaib Malik and Asad Shafiq have been dropped from the 35-member squad announced for Pakistan’s upcoming tour of New Zealand, stirring up a debate on social media. The tour is scheduled to take place in December.
According to a press release, the management wants to give a fair chance to youngsters like 20-year-old Shafique in the T20 format, which is why they decided to drop the three senior players. Babar Azam, who is now the captain across all formats, will lead both the T20I and Test sides in New Zealand.
Pakistan head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq, explaining the decision said: “There are three major omissions from the side that toured England. Shafiq has been left out due to lack of form after he managed 510 runs in his last 15 innings, including a total of 67 runs in England.”
“Malik and Amir are not part of the white-ball matches as for this tour we have opted to invest, develop and focus on the promising and emerging players who are likely to be available to Pakistan for all formats,” he added.
Meanwhile on the other hand, the board has shown their confidence in other senior players like Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Hafeez.
When asked why he was left out of the team, Amir responded: “Misbah saab hi bata sakte hain, but good luck for team green.”
Later, when a journalist remarked that this was Amir’s ‘Mujhe Kyun Nikala‘ moment, Amir said: “Hahaha, good one.”
Later, responding to another tweet, Amir said that he has placed his trust with God and not with people.
The three-match T20 series between Pakistan and New Zealand will start on December 18 and end on December 22.
The ICC World Test Championship fixtures will be played in Mount Maunganui and Christchurch from December 26-30 and January 3-7, respectively.
