Inzamam questions Sarfaraz, Fakhar's inclusion in squad for New Zealand tour

Former Pakistan captain Inzamamul Haq has questioned the selection of wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed and opener Fakhar Zaman in the 35-member squad selected for the Men in Green’s upcoming tour to New Zealand.

While speaking in a YouTube video on his channel, the former captain said that Zaman doesn’t deserve a place in the national squad due to his mediocre recent performances.

“There is a question mark on Fakhar Zaman. If you look at his past 20 innings in T20s and ODIs, he has not played any knock of significance. I was surprised to his name in the 35-member squad. He is a good player, but if you don’t perform for a whole year or for 20 innings and still make the squad, then it something to ponder about,” Inzamam said.

Zaman was only able to muster 45 runs in three innings in the T20I series against Zimababwe.

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Inzamam also added that Sarfaraz should have played in the recently-concluded limited-overs series against Zimbabwe, if the team management was considering him for New Zealand tour.

“If Sarfaraz was in your plans for the New Zealand tour, then why didn’t you include him in the squad for the series against Zimbabwe? Mohammad Rizwan won the player of the series award in the last Test series, so there is no need for another option in Test cricket,” he said.

“In my opinion, Sarfaraz is more suited for ODIs and T20Is, but still the management didn’t utilise him against Zimbabwe,” he added.

Pakistan men’s national team will play three T20Is on December 18, 20 and 22, and the ICC World Test Championship fixtures will be held in Mount Maunganui and Christchurch on December 26-30 and January 3-7, respectively.