Akmal criticizes Pakistan's decision to release Abrar ahead of 1st Test against BAN: 'Would India do the same with Ashwin or Jadeja?'

Former wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal strongly criticized the Pakistan cricket team management for omitting Abrar Ahmed from the squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. Pakistan's decision to opt for an all-pace attack in the first Test and releasing their only spinner Abrar has sparked controversy. Abrar and top-order batsman Kamran Ghulam were released to play in a practice game between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh 'A'. The Pakistan Cricket Board explained that the selectors wanted Abrar to gain match practice ahead of the second Test, which is set to begin in Karachi on Aug. 30. Both Abrar and Ghulam will rejoin the Test squad before the second match takes place.

It's been four years since Pakistan decided to go with an all-pace attack when they played against Sri Lanka at home in 2019.

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All-rounder Salman Ali Agha is the only spin option now available to Pakistan for the first test. The off-spinner has bowled consistently in test matches since 2023.

Akmal lashed out at the Pakistan management and said Australia won't play without Nathan Lyon, and India won't drop Ravindra Jadeja or Ravichandran Ashwin from their XI for the home tests.

"With Jason Gillespie (Pakistan's Test head coach), we are talking about the Australian mindset. But can Australia play without Nathan Lyon? Will India play without Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja? No, they won't. You have Abrar, but you have shut down his confidence so much," Akmal told Cricket Pakistan.

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The veteran Pakistan wicketkeeper lashed out at the Pakistan management for showing bias while picking players.

"Due to personal likes and dislikes, that boy (Abrar) has been ruined. His fitness and off-the-field issues were highlighted, and because of that, you've spoiled that boy and harmed Pakistan," said Akmal.

Pakistan squad

Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Hurraira, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Agha Salman, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi

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