In Pakistan’s cricket scene, Mohammad Haris and Aamer Jamal have been notably absent from the national squad lineup for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England. Pakistan captain Babar Azam shed light on their exclusion during a press briefing ahead of the team’s departure to Ireland.
Babar Azam offered insights into why Mohammad Haris didn’t secure a spot in the squad. He acknowledged Haris’s talent but pointed out the surplus of top-order batsmen in the team. Despite recognizing Haris’s potential, Babar highlighted his lackluster performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) post-2022 T20 World Cup, suggesting that he didn’t quite meet expectations during that period.
“Though Mohammad Haris didn’t receive the opportunities he deserved after the 2022 T20 World Cup, his performance in the PSL didn’t align with our expectations. It’s not a reflection of his abilities; every player faces a rough patch,” Babar stated. He emphasized the abundance of players available for the top-order positions, including himself, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, and Fakhar Zaman, which further impacted Haris’s chances.
Addressing Aamer Jamal’s absence, Babar Azam drew attention to the distinction between Test and T20 cricket. While acknowledging Jamal’s commendable performance in Test cricket, Babar suggested that he needs more exposure and matches to adapt his skills to the T20 format effectively.
“Aamer Jamal has showcased his talent in Test cricket, but T20s require a different skill set. He’s a promising all-rounder, but he needs additional time and matches to hone his abilities specifically for T20 cricket,” Babar explained.
The Pakistan squad for the Ireland and England T20Is includes familiar names such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi, and Shadab Khan, among others. The selection reflects a balance of experience and emerging talent, with the team aiming for success in the upcoming series.
