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Pakistan's 15-member squad announcement for the upcoming T20 World Cup has been grabbing a lot of criticism from Pakistan's cricket fraternity. Notably, Pakistan Cricket Board named the squad on Thursday marking return of premium pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi in the squad who was largely missed in the recently concluded T20 Asia Cup 2022 in United Arab of Emirates.
Ahead of continental tournament, Shaheen failed to clear the fitness test due to a knee injury and went through medication in London. While Shaheen's inclusion in the squad came as a breather for the nation, couple of retired Pakistan cricketers lashed out at the selectors for the selection.
Earlier, Pakistan legendary pacer Shoaib Akhtar expressed his dissatisfaction over the inclusion of top-order batter Fakhar Zaman as reserve player and termed selection as 'average' call. Meanwhile, another prominent former Pakistan bowler Shahid Afridi reckoned that veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik should have been included in Pakistan's 15-member squad for the next month's T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia.
While speaking on Samaa TV, Afridi claimed that Malik is an experienced cricketer and has done well across globe. "Malik is a top choice for every franchise. He is also supremely fit. Babar Azam would have gotten a lot of support if Malik had been there, even if he was on the bench," said Shoaib Malik.
Afridi further stated that the selectors should have communicated him that he was not a part of their plans. Earlier, Shoaib Malik posted a cryptic tweet after Pakistan lost the Asia Cup race and wrote, "When will we come out from friendship, liking & disliking culture. Allah always helps the honest," on his Twitter handle. Notably, Malik has not been included in the Pakistan squad for the seven-match home T20I series against England, starting September 20.