Saqlain Mushtaq picks five Pakistan players in his all-time ODI XI

Former cricketer Saqlain Mushtaq has unveiled his all-time ODI XI, selecting five Pakistani players for the lineup.

During an interview with a local sports channel, Mushtaq commended Saeed Anwar and Sachin Tendulkar as standout openers of their time and included them in his esteemed team.

“First, I would put Saeed Anwar, then I’ll send Sachin Tendulkar. They are the players to have scored the most centuries during their time, they have dominated the entire world in one-day cricket. Anwar created history by scoring 194, he played cricket during his time which is played now, they were both 40-50 years ahead of their time,” Mushtaq said.

He placed Ricky Ponting at number three for his ability to handle fast bowlers and perform in crucial matches. Mushtaq emphasized the incompleteness of any list without Vivian Richards, recognizing his unparalleled talent and impact both on and off the field. Zaheer Abbas and Garfield Sobers secured the fifth and sixth spots respectively.

“On one down, I’ll put Ricky Ponting. He would play a pull shot to the fastest bowler on the front foot. He has scored in almost every big match. On fourth, I thought a lot and told myself that without Sir Vivan Richards, it would be incomplete. He was the King. He too was 40-50 years ahead of his time. Even outside cricket, his aura is still widely acknowledged by the world,” he said.

“On fifth I would bring our Zaheer Abbas. I think it was Sir Richards who said ‘If you could give me Abbas’ wrist, then I would score so many runs that you can’t even imagine’. He has ended many careers and especially beating spinners was his trait. For sixth position, I guess I will pick Sir Garfield Sobers. I remember I was in West Indies, in an event when he arrived, the entire crowd stood up and clapped for him for about five minutes,” he added.

Adam Gilchrist earned the seventh spot for his exceptional skills as a wicketkeeper-batsman, while Imran Khan was chosen as the captain.

In the bowling department, Mushtaq's top pick was Wasim Akram for his ability to perform under any circumstances. He followed up with Waqar Younis and Muttiah Muralitharan, emphasizing their prowess and reliability.

“In bowlers, my first pick would be Wasim Akram. You can’t take him out of any team. Doesn’t matter the opposition, the pressure, the conditions, he would always step up. After Wasim, it would be Waqar Younis and at last Muttiah Muralitharan,” he concluded.

Saqlain Mushtaq’s all-time ODI XI:

Saeed Anwar, Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Vivan Richards, Zaheer Abbas, Garfield Sobers, Adam Gilchrist (wk), Imran Khan (C), Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Muttiah Muralitharan