Malik’s omission from one-day squad ‘unjustified’: Mudassar

ISLAMABAD - Former Pakistan captain and coach Mudassar Nazar has described the selectors move to axe all rounder Shoaib Malik from the one-day squad as an unjustified call.

“Shoaib Malik’s omission has been rather surprising and is not justified. He has been a good one day player and should have been in the squad,” Mudassar told PakPassion.net

Mudassar, who was famously known as the ‘man with the golden arm’ for his knack of breaking partnerships, further slammed the selectors for picking Mohammad Hafeez, who he believes has not done well whenever given an opportunity.

“The selection of Mohammad Hafeez is surprising. He has not done well whenever he’s been give an opportunity. I think he’s been selected just because Malik is not in the squad and Pakistan want to a play a batsman who can also bowl 10 overs,” he said.

Mudassar, who himself was an all rounder, however, backed the selectors decision to include Fawad Alam and Azhar Ali, considered by many to be Test specialists.

“I’m happy to see Fawad back in the squad. He’s a very good batsmen and an excellent fielder. ,”Azhar has performed well. He has some technical deficiencies outside his off stump but he’ll improve with time,” he said.

Showering praise on Test captain Salman Butt, Mudassar said the left-hand opening batsman was handling the team well.

“Salman Butt’s performance as captain has been good. He’s managing the players well and it was good to see him welcome Yousuf back to the side. Salman’s always had good captaincy skills,” he added. (ANI)