MELBOURNE – The reason behind inclusion of All-rounder Muhammad Nawaz in the squad for ongoing Test series against Australia has surfaced, the latest reports say.
Nawaz’s selection is attributed to being the sole player possessing a valid visa for Australia, a situation arising after spinner Numan Ali was excluded from the Test series.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) encountered challenges in acquiring visas for other spinners from the Australian High Commission, owing to the holiday season encompassing Christmas and New Year.
The Western world traditionally observes holidays from the third week of December to the second week of January, rendering this period a festive season and consequently a secondary consideration for official matters.
While Mohammad Nawaz did not showcase standout performances in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, it is crucial to note that the tournament featured a distinct format.
The 50-over format, prevalent in the World Cup, differs from the red-ball (Test) format, underlining the significance of considering the player’s adaptability across various cricketing formats. Nawaz’s exclusion from the ongoing 2023/24 President Trophy matches, where departmental teams are engaged in first-class cricket, has prompted questions regarding his recent selection.
It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan already has the services of spinner Sajid Khan in Australia, serving as a potential backup. But the fans were curious as to why Muhammad Nawaz was sent from Pakistan.
