Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt recently addressed the absence of wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Haris from the national squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England. Sharing his thoughts on his YouTube channel, Butt delved into the competitive landscape of Pakistan’s batting lineup, questioning where Haris fits in amidst fierce competition.
Butt highlighted the array of explosive talent vying for positions, mentioning Azam Khan, Saim Ayub, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, and Imad Wasim, along with Usman Khan’s notable performances in the PSL. He suggested that Haris might need to re-evaluate his past performances and assert his talent more effectively to secure a spot in the team.
Expressing concerns about Haris’ batting approach, Butt criticized his tendency to play risky shots at critical junctures, which he observed not only in Pakistan T20I squad but also in Haris’ performances for Pakistan A. Butt emphasized the importance of mental presence and readiness during matches, suggesting that Haris’ inconsistencies might raise doubts among selectors.
Despite his critique, Butt offered words of encouragement to Haris, emphasizing the need for him to display greater presence of mind and practicality while batting. He underscored the importance of focusing on essential aspects of the game to enhance his chances of selection.
Haris, who has featured in nine T20Is for Pakistan, boasts an average of only 14 and a highest score of 31. With the T20 World Cup looming, Haris faces a significant challenge in convincing selectors of his readiness for the international stage.
