The decision to not select Fawad Alam was unfair, says Younis Khan

Former Pakistani cricketer Younis Khan calls the decision of not picking young Fawad Alam for the England-Ireland tour “unfair”. The left-handed batsman has an impressive average of 55.35 and that should have got him an opportunity to play in the team in the upcoming series. But his name was not there in the 16-member squad announced by the chief selector and former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq in April.

The Pakistan team has 5 new and uncapped players, including Inzamam’s nephew Imam-ul-Haq. The other four are opener Fakhar Zaman, all-rounder Faheem Ashraf and batsmen Usman Salahuddin and Saad Ali. This is the maiden Test call-up for all five of them.

But Younis still thinks that Fawad could have been included in the initial squad. He referred to the bygone era, specifically when he was a member of the team and spoke about how seniority was given much importance back then. Experienced players used to make up most of the team, but those times are gone now. Majority of the veterans have retired and the younger generation of cricketers cannot be ignored and pushed into the background anymore.

Young, in-form cricketers like Fawad should get ample opportunities to make a difference, the former Pakistan captain asserts. It would only be for the good of the Pakistani team.

“In the end, it would have been beneficial for the Pakistani side; Fawad Alam is after-all a Pakistani cricketer,” he was quoted saying by DAWN.

Imam should prove himself

About the chief selector’s nephew, Younis said that Imam should be able to prove himself and make use of this chance. ”Imamul Haq has a chance; he should perform well and prove himself.”

The single Ireland Test match starts from May 11, Friday. This will be Ireland’s maiden test after attaining full membership of the ICC. The match will be played at Malahide, Dublin. After that Pakistan will be headed towards England to play a two-test series.

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