Karachi, Lahore must remain backbone of Pakistan cricket: Bazid Khan

Renowned cricket commentator and former national team player, Bazid Khan, expressed his thoughts on the evolving cricket landscape in Pakistan. 

Drawing attention to a pertinent concern in recent tweet, Bazid pointed out that despite the growth and diversification of cricketing talent, there is a notable dearth of representation from Karachi in the current national ODI squad announced for Afghanistan series and Asia Cup.

"Karachi has always been a strength for Pakistan cricket. In recent times, other cities/regions have caught up, which is heartening. However, for Pakistan cricket to continue prospering, Karachi and Lahore have to remain the backbone. The fact that there's only one Karachi player in the current squad speaks volumes about the work that still needs to be done," Bazid tweeted.

Karachi has always been a strength for Pakistan cricket. Recent times other cities/regions have caught up which is heartening,but for Pakistan cricket to keep on prospering Karachi and Lahore have to be the backbone. Only 1 Karachi player in the squad says more needs to be done

— Bazid Khan (@bazidkhan81) August 15, 2023

The presence of just one player from Karachi mentioned by Bazid in the aforementioned tweet points to Saud Shakeel, a Pakistan Test batter who originates from Karachi and he is the sole representative from the city in the current national squad.

Previously, Inzamam-ul-Haq, the head of the national men’s selection committee, announced squads for the ACC Men's Asia Cup 2023 and the three-match One-Day International series against Afghanistan.

Saud, who does not feature in the Asia Cup squad, is included in the squad for the three-match ODI series against the Afghanistan. 

He has played only five ODIs and his last was in March 2022 when Pakistan chased down 348 against Australia with six wickets in hand in Lahore.