'Sometimes this pattern can be demoralizing for batters' - Waqar Younis questions Fakhar Zaman's inclusion in Pakistan's WC squad

Ahead of the start of the T20 World Cup 2021, Pakistan made certain tweaks to their already announced squad. However now the former Pakistan pacer Waqar Younis has raised questions on the changes made in the team. According to him, including Fakhar Zaman in the main squad wasn’t a good idea.

Pakistan added Sarfaraz Ahmed, Haider Ali, and Fakhar Zaman to the main squad for the T20 World Cup to be held in the United Arab Emirates(Super 12). Wicketkeeper Sarfaraz and batter Haider made it to the cut replacing Azam Khan and Mohammad Hasnain, respectively.

However, Fakhar Zaman who was originally named as a traveling reserve replaced Khushdil Shah in the 15-man squad. Younis who recently stepped down as Pakistan’s bowling coach feels that making changes to the main squad can be demoralizing for the batters.

“My question is that Fakhar [Zaman] came from outside as he was not part of the first team. I think he scored 70 odd runs in domestic and we included him in the team on basis of that performance and reduced a bowler. Then what we did is that we dropped a player from the main squad, which was Khushdil Shah. Sometimes this pattern can be demoralizing for the batters,” said Waqar on A Sports.

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam had defended the changes made in the squad 

The captain of the Men in green had welcomed the changes made to Pakistan’s squad ahead of the start of the marquee event. He had asserted that a few players were not in good touch during the domestic tournament and that had prompted them to make the tweaks.

“Some players were not in fine touch during the domestic tournament. Changes were made to the squad since some players were not able to perform well,” Babar Azam said in a virtual press conference organized by the ICC.

Pakistan has played a lot of matches in UAE. The team is thus well versed with the playing conditions that might provide them an edge in this tournament. Babar Azam shed light on these aspects and pinned his hopes on the team to perform well in the mega event.

“We have played a lot of cricket UAE and the conditions suit us and we have to be best in all departments,” the Pakistan skipper added.