Sadiq questions Saim’s role in Pakistan’s T20I squad

Former opener says selection is unfair to middle-order batsmen and backs Sajid as a third spin option

KARACHI:

Former Pakistan Test opener Sadiq Mohammad has questioned the selection of Saim Ayub in the T20I squad, saying the all-rounder’s presence in different batting positions is undermining the team’s middle order batsmen.

“It is an injustice to the middle order batsmen to keep playing Saim Ayub,” Sadiq told The Express Tribune.

“The coaches, selection committee and captain are destroying the middle order. How can Saim fit into every batting position simply because he can bowl a few overs of finger spin?” he said.

Sadiq said that if Pakistan needed a third spinner in T20 internationals, off-spinner Sajid Khan would be a better option.

“If we want a third spinner in T20 cricket, we should give chance to our off-spinner Sajid Khan. He can hit the ball hard, extract turn and is an excellent fielder. We used to play Iftikhar Ahmed in a similar role two years ago,” Sadiq said.

Saim has been included in Pakistan’s T20I squad for the ongoing series against Sri Lanka. He has been batting at number five, while the presence of four specialist openers in the squad has raised questions about the balance of the team’s batting combination.

Saim took one wicket for 19 runs in his three overs on Sunday.

Sajid, meanwhile, has so far been restricted largely to Test cricket, a decision that has raised eyebrows. He was also dropped by his Peshawar team from its T20 side, a decision that reportedly angered the off-spinner.

Sadiq believes Sajid could prove an effective addition to Pakistan’s T20I squad, potentially filling the role previously occupied by Iftikhar Ahmed, who was often used as a power-hitter in the death overs.

Sajid, who has played 16 Tests for Pakistan, is a powerful hitter and has demonstrated his ability to clear the boundary when given the opportunity, even in the longer format.

"Team management should focus on developing a young player for the death overs rather than repeatedly relying on tried-and-tested players based on their mediocre past performances,” Sadiq said.

Sadiq also urged seasoned left-handed opener Fakhar Zaman to go deep and don’t throw his wicket after taking a good start.

“Fakhar Zaman must focus on converting his starts into big individual scores instead of getting out after settling in during the powerplay,” Sadiq said.

“He was dismissed in the fifth over in both innings. If this pattern continues, he could be dropped sooner or later, with Saim Ayub potentially replacing him despite not having proved himself. Both openers have been selected to establish themselves and demonstrate their ability to score big, match-winning totals,” Sadiq said.

Sadiq also pointed out that Shadab has also lost his gloss as a bowler.

"Shadab Khan is another player whose bowling has been largely ineffective. He should also be sidelined, with Sajid Khan considered as a replacement for both Saim Ayub and Shadab."

Sadiq congratulated Pakistan team and skipper Sahibazada Farhan for delivering extremely well in both the T20I matches against Sri Lanka.

"Finally, congratulations on winning the T20 series. Shahabzada Farhan has emerged as a potential new T20 captain, having performed well in both matches. Well played," Sadiq signed off.