KARACHI: Former Pakistan Test and ODI cricketer Jalaluddin has expressed dissatisfaction over the national team selection, saying the upcoming ODI series against Australia, starting from May 30, is a golden opportunity to prepare a balanced squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, which will be played in three different countries and said the national selection committee should focus on long-term planning instead of making temporary decisions just to survive difficult situations. He said Pakistan cricket is currently passing through one of its worst phases in all three formats of the game.
He added that Australia have not sent their full-strength side and that the extremely hot weather conditions in Pakistan could give the home side an advantage despite loopholes in the team, poor selection, fragmentation, fitness concerns and inconsistent form. Jalaluddin was of the view that some players currently selected in the squad are not yet ready for international-level cricket and need more time and experience to polish their skills.
He said Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Fazal and Shan Masood should be included in the batting line-up because of their experience of batting in all types of conditions and pitches. He added that their ODI strike rate, fitness and ability to rotate the strike through sharp singles give them an edge for selection.
Likewise, he stressed that Sajid Khan must be part of the spin attack as he can also play fast and aggressive innings in the final overs, which is essential for any ODI team. He further said that a spin trio of Sufyan Muqeem, Sajid Khan and Shadab Khan would be an ideal combination for Pakistan in the current circumstances.
Jalaluddin also said that fast bowlers Ali Raza and Muhammad Ali should be given opportunities in the ODI series because both players proved their form and fitness during the recently concluded PSL and domestic cricket season.
He said both bowlers performed well under pressure and played key roles in the success of their teams in the PSL, proving their ability and fitness at a time when Pakistan cricket is facing a serious fast bowling crisis. According to him, both pacers have the stamina and fitness required to complete their full quota of 10 overs in ODI cricket. He said Ali Raza consistently bowled at speeds of around 140 km/h with good line, length and variations, which are key factors for success in modern-day fast bowling.
He added that Muhammad Ali is also in excellent form and fitness. Jalaluddin believed that alongside captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, the inclusion of Ali Raza and Muhammad Ali could create a strong fast bowling combination for Pakistan in ODI cricket.
He said Pakistan still has time to experiment before the World Cup begins because fitness remains a major issue for fast bowlers in big tournaments. He further said players who have consistently performed in domestic cricket should be given proper opportunities to strengthen the national side and should not be judged on a short-term basis. Jalaluddin also stated that Haris Rauf does not deserve a place in Pakistan’s ODI team at present, adding that he is not a good ODI bowler.
