Misbah faces backlash over Kashif Bhatti’s exclusion from first Bangladesh Test

Pakistan’s head coach-cum-chief selector Misbahul Haq suffered considerable backlash after his decision to drop slow left-arm spinner Kashif Bhatti, from the squad for the first Test against Bangladesh, without playing a single match during his time with the national side.

Bhatti was part of Pakistan’s Test squad for the series against Australia Down Under and also the home series against Sri Lanka, but he did not feature in the playing XI on both occasions.

Bhatti, along with pacer Usman Khan Shinwari, have been left out but they remain in the red-ball plans and have been advised to continue their training and preparation, according to Misbah.

“We have followed the horses for courses policy for the Test against Bangladesh. I know the two players who have been left out will be disappointed, but they remain firmly within our plans for the red-ball cricket we are scheduled to play later this year,” said Misbah.

“Kashif Bhatti has paved the way for Bilal Asif considering there are left-handed batters in the Bangladesh top and middle-order, while Faheem Ashraf has been preferred over Usman Shinwari due to his all-round abilities,” he added.

But Pakistan fans were unhappy over this decision and took to Twitter to express their disappointment.  

Also why is kashif bhatti dropped for bilal asif?
Kashif bats well too and currently is far better than yasir shah.

— Sohaib Chatri (@SohaibChatri) February 1, 2020

Why Kashif Bhatti dropped after being benched throughout?
Faheem Ashraf brought back for what?
Why Shinwari dropped after given chance in only one test?
Why was Imran Khan Sr was dropped in the first place if he was to brought back again?
Why always Imam gets picked?#Pathetic https://t.co/kznEcjrIxf

— Khurram Aziz (@khurramaziz123) February 1, 2020

So the incredible performer of firstclass cricket fir years "Kashif Bhatti" dropped without even even getting a chance. Dear @captainmisbahpk how more pathetic you can be.
Me kabi ye baat ye ni bolta magar is region ka player pir bagair khaile drop hogaya 😷 pic.twitter.com/zelUEiwmL4

— Shahzaib Ali 🇵🇰 (@DSBcricket) February 1, 2020

Kashif Bhatti dropped without being given a chance. Now what has happened to our process of continuity? Imam retained despite Abid, Shaan & Azhar already in. Fahim’s inclusion logically justifiable however, Aamer Yamin has a knack to be a decent all rounder. Zafar Gohar?

— Dr. Nauman Niaz (@DrNaumanNiaz) February 1, 2020

Kashif Bhatti dropped from the squad. He was with the team grom last 2 series. Didn't play a single game. Now he's dropped..
I'm fan of Misbah.. But how will he justify that move..
Usman Shinwari also dropped after playing just 1 test..
No clear vision.. pic.twitter.com/EAZv1VpoQT

— Abdul Samad (@imsamad_92) February 1, 2020

Kashif Bhatti and Usman Shinwari dropped.

Kashif Bhatti dropped from the squad after warming the bench for two consecutive test series.

He also missed domestic trophy games, well-done selectors of Pakistan! #PAKvBAN #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/589r5VUb61

— Hamadullah Sohu (حمادالله سوھو) (@hsohu) February 1, 2020

So Kashif Bhatti has been dropped from the test squad without playing him a single match. Wao 👏👏👏 @captainmisbahpk can't be any justification. Pathetic. Ridiculous

— Hamzah Sarwar (@ShamiStorm) February 1, 2020

Don bradman Imam ul haq retained and Performer kashif bhatti dropped ...💔💔💔💔💔 https://t.co/dDbacwp8u7

— Haroon Rasheed (@cricketlover000) February 1, 2020