PAK vs AUS: Former Pakistan cricketer labels two players as 'burden' on squad

Former Pakistan cricketer Sikandar Bakht has raised concerns about the form of senior players and the mounting pressure on the squad as they compete in the ongoing three-match ODI series against Australia.

His remarks have stirred debate, particularly his assertion that young batsmen Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub have become “burdens” in the team.

"Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub have become burdens on the squad," he said.

In a recent interview at a local news channel, Bakht pointed out that despite being Pakistan's most senior players, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have not consistently led the team through tough situations. 

"Babar and Rizwan are currently the most senior players in the team, yet they never stand as a pillar for the team during tough times. I've been saying it for a while—Pakistan had only one true match-winner in ODIs… Fakhar Zaman, and he’s been dropped from the team," Bakht said, expressing disappointment over the exclusion of Zaman, known for his explosive batting.

Despite the challenging conditions and the same pitch and bowling attack faced by the batsmen, it was fast bowler Naseem Shah who stood out. Bakht concluded by stressing that cricket is a game that demands bravery.

"Pakistani batsmen play with fear, while on the same pitch and against the same bowling, Naseem Shah showed courage with the bat, proving that cricket is meant to be played with bravery," he concluded.

The first ODI saw Australia clinch a narrow victory by just two wickets. Pakistan posted a modest total of 203 runs in 46.4 overs, struggling to build partnerships throughout the innings. Mohammad Rizwan emerged as the top scorer for Pakistan, with a resilient knock of 44 runs off 71 balls, while Naseem Shah contributed a valuable 40 runs off 39 balls to help the team reach a competitive total.

Australia, chasing 204 runs for victory, lost wickets regularly but were steadied by a composed performance from Pat Cummins, whose match-winning knock guided the hosts to a target of 204/8 in 33.3 overs. Despite Pakistan’s strong bowling performances from Haris Rauf (3 wickets) and Shaheen Afridi (2 wickets), Pakistan’s fielding and extra runs proved costly, with 21 runs conceded, including 17 wides and 4 leg byes.

With Australia now leading the series 1-0, Pakistan will be eager to bounce back in the second ODI, set to take place in Adelaide on November 8.