Pakistan bowed out of the T20 World Cup 2024 after a forgetful performance in the United States. The Babar Azam-led side finished third-best in Group A, as India and USA qualified for the Super 8s.
The Pakistan skipper has been criticised over numerous reasons throughout the ICC event. From the players' intentions, to the team selection - Babar Azam has been spared over none.
As Pakistan faced elimination on Sunday, fans and critics have demanded a reason behind Babar selecting Shadab Khan over 'mystery spinner' Abrar Ahmed. Early on in the tournament, Babar Azam quoted that the selection is done solely on merit.
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Babar Azam's friendship with Shadab Khan cited as reason for Abrar Ahmed's exclusion
Pakistan fans and critics have lambasted Babar Azam for not selecting their mystery spinner, Abrar Ahmed despite terrible outings from the team's main spinner Shadab Khan.
Interestingly, there have been suggestions from multiple quarters that Shadab is in the Pakistan team despite his disappointing performances because of his personal friendship with Babar.
Shadab has been extremely poor in the last year or so, especially in the 2023 ODI World Cup where he picked just two wickets and leaked plenty of runs. It was the same case in the 2024 T20 World Cup as well, where he has been ineffective with the ball.
He was again poor against Ireland on a tricky wicket where he was taken for 11 runs in the only over he bowled. He was also out for a duck during Pakistan's chase.
Fans believe that the mystery spinner is one of the best, (if not the best) spinners in the country. They have blamed the team management and skipper Babar Azam for choosing Shadab Khan over Abrar Ahmed.
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Abrar Ahmed is a mystery spinner but his selection is becoming a mystery now. How would he be feeling that everyone got chance to play a World Cup and he is the only one who has not been selected bcz Shadab Khan can bat too. All blame on Gary, Babar and Wahab
— Sports syncs (@moiz_sports) June 16, 2024
The 25-year-old last played for Pakistan in their bilateral series against New Zealand. He did not make a single appearance against the subsequent series against Ireland and England.
Did Abrar Ahmad travel with the Pakistan team? And is he a mystery spinner mysteriously benched since ICC World Cup 2023?
— Dr. Nauman Niaz (@DrNaumanNiaz) June 16, 2024
If he doesn’t have to be played why is he included in the line up.
I am sure Abrar shall soon write not about his cricket exploits but a traveller who has…
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How did Abrar Ahmed perform in PSL 2024?
Abrar Ahmed finished as the third-highest wicket-taker in the recent Pakistan Super League 2024. Playing for Quetta Gladiators, Ahmed picked 16 wickets in just 10 appearances.
| Matches | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate | Economy | 3w | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 16 | 19.56 | 15.00 | 7.82 | 2 | 3/18 |
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