Former cricketer criticizes Pakistan's squad selection for Bangladesh series

Former Pakistan pacer Tanvir Ahmed has criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selection committee following the announcement of the national team's and Shaheens' squads for upcoming matches against Bangladesh and Bangladesh ‘A’ team.

The PCB selection committee today announced a 17-member Pakistan squad for the ICC World Test Championship fixtures against Bangladesh.

The first Test is scheduled at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from August 21-25, followed by the second Test in Karachi from August 30 to September 3

The selection committee also revealed the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the upcoming four-day matches against Bangladesh-A, with Saud Shakeel appointed as captain.

The first four-day match begins on August 10, followed by the second on August 17.

Tanvir took to social media platform 'X' to voice his concerns, alleging that the selection process was flawed and suggesting that the decisions were made under duress. 

"Whether it's the Pakistan team or some of the Shaheens' players, the selection has been wrong. It’s beyond understanding and seems to have been done through coercion," Tanvir said.

The right-arm pacer also expressed his discontent with the decision to include only one spinner in the Test squad, questioning the role of domestic coaches in developing quality spinners. 

"Is this is our domestic cricket? spinners have disappeared throughout Pakistan, and there is only one spinner in the Test squad, Abrar Ahmed. Where are our domestic coaches who still haven't managed to develop any spinners, or are they only focused on words?" he said.

The 45-year-old also took a swipe at Imam-ul-Haq, after the opener was excluded from the red-ball format and speculating about his future in the ODI squad. 

"Imam-ul-Haq has been dropped from the Test squad due to his mistakes. I feel that Imam-ul-Haq might also be dropped from the ODI squad," he concluded.

PAKISTAN SQUAD
Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal (subject to Fitness), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper) and Shaheen Shah Afridi

PAKISTAN SHAHEENS SQUAD (for 1st four-day match, vs Bangladesh ‘A’, dates TBC)
Saud Shakeel (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rameez Jnr, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saad Baig (wicket-keeper), Saad Khan, Saim Ayub, Sameen Gul, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper) and Umar Amin