Ex-Pakistan Batter Leaks Mohammad Rizwan’s Frustration With This Player For Champions Trophy

Since the Pakistan selectors brought back their all-rounder Faheem Ashraf for the Champions Trophy after more than a year, a few fans and former players raised their eyebrows. Ashraf’s last ODI game was against India during the 2023 Asia Cup, as he missed the 50-over World Cup in the same year.

Faheem missed the first two games for the Green Brigade in the group stage of the eight-team tournament before coming into the side for the final against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. With the bat, the Southpaw cracked 22 runs in 21 deliveries, besides earning 0/16 in his 2.2 overs.

Basit Ali revealed Mohammad Rizwan’s dissatisfaction with Faheem Ashraf

Pakistan’s former middle order batter, Faheem Ashraf, has expressed concerns about the current captain, Mohammad Rizwan’s confidence in the squad, especially around the position of the all-rounder, Faheem Ashraf, who didn’t play his full part in the final of the tri-series.

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“Rizwan clearly showed he was not happy with Faheem Ashraf being included in the team. He didn’t give him the ball after just two overs and only used him again when the match was already lost.” Ali remarked.

Faheem has collected 26 wickets in 34 ODI innings at an average of 46.92 and a strike rate of 54.1, thanks to the best bowling figure of 5/22 in an inning. With the bat, the left-handed batter has cracked 246 runs in 25 innings at a strike rate of 83.38, shouldering on the best score of 28.

Basit Ali questions Pakistan’s tactics in recent tri-series

The Karachi-born wasn’t happy with Pakistan’s strategy in the recent tri-nation series, especially with the decision to open with star batter Babar Azam. His remarks came after the Green Brigade’s five-wicket loss to New Zealand in Karachi on February 14.

“If Pakistan had won the tri-nation series, the confidence of every player would have been high. But who advised Babar Azam to open the innings? I’m surprised by this decision.” Basit addressed.

“What kind of thinking is this? He was performing well at number three, scoring 50-70 runs against South Africa, but they changed his position. Now, he’s scored just 62 runs in three matches in the tri-series. This shows the approach and mindset of the management.” The 54-year-old highlighted.

Ex-Pakistan batter suggests Mohammad Rizwan’s army to avoid focus on the game against India

Ali has shed light on the immediate focus for Pakistan to be on their opening fixture against the Blackcaps and not on the second encounter against India.

“We keep talking about the India match, but we should have been thinking about New Zealand first. Will this team play against them?” He questioned.

“They say even Sachin opened the innings and scored a century in his first match in Sri Lanka, but you removed Babar from No. 3, where he was excelling, and now you’ve destroyed his rhythm.” Basit Ali claimed.

Also Read: Pakistan Pacer Fined And Handed Demerit Point After On-field Altercation In Tri-series

The former batter of Pakistan concluded by stressing the importance of the batter’s confidence, especially before a major event of the ICC.

“Winning this tri-nation series could have boosted morale. Now, what will be your confidence level? Cricket is a game of confidence, and if that is shaken, you are left behind.” He concluded.

The Green Brigade will try their best to defend their title in the 2017 Champions Trophy, which they won by beating India in the final at the Kennington Oval in South London. Their opening game will be against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi in 2025.