Waqar Younis, selection committee face backlash over Abrar and Kamran’s omission

Former Pakistan fast bowler Tanvir Ahmed has taken a sharp jab at Waqar Younis and the selection committee after the exclusion of Abrar Ahmed and Kamran Ghulam from the squad for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.

In a surprising move, the selectors dropped leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed and all-rounder Kamran Ghulam from the squad ahead of the first Test, which begins on August 21 in Rawalpindi.

Both players will instead represent Pakistan Shaheens in a four-day match against Bangladesh 'A,' starting on August 20 in Islamabad.

Tanvir expressed his shock and disappointment, particularly targeting Waqar Younis, who was recently appointed as an advisor to the PCB chief.

Using his social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the ex-pacer accused Waqar and the selectors of undermining Pakistan cricket.

"Have you all seen? Waqar Younis and the selection committee have removed Abrar Ahmed and Kamran Ghulam from the Test matches against Bangladesh. The remaining issue is that Waqar Younis will ruin Pakistan's cricket," Tanvir posted.

He further blasted the selection process, calling it a "third-class" decision and questioning Waqar’s role. "Where is this Waqar Younis who keeps portraying himself as a big legend? How have these two been dropped?" Tanvir added.

With Abrar unavailable, Pakistan now has limited spin options for the first Test. Fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Mir Hamza are expected to lead the attack, while Agha Salman will serve as the frontline spinner.

The second Test, originally scheduled in Karachi from August 30 to September 3, has been relocated to Rawalpindi due to renovations at the National Bank Stadium in preparation for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Pakistan’s Test squad

Shan Masood (C), Saud Shakeel (VC), Aamir Jamal (subject to fitness), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (WK), Shaheen Shah Afridi.