Islamabad, Feb 1: Pakistan’s cricket selection committee has caused quite a stir after excluding all-rounder Aamer Jamal from the squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The 28-year-old cricketer, who has been a regular fixture in Pakistan’s lineup in recent years, took to social media to express his frustration over the decision. The choice to drop Jamal in favor of Faheem Ashraf, who has not played an ODI since the 2023 Asia Cup, has raised questions among fans and experts alike.
Jamal’s Instagram story, which read “If betraying had a face,” coupled with an emoji, made his emotions clear. Reports have revealed that Jamal was initially assured a place in the squad, only to be dropped at the last minute, despite the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recalling him from the Bangladesh Premier League, an indication of his anticipated inclusion. This sudden change has left many speculating whether the selectors made the right call, especially given Jamal’s consistent performance in recent times.
Aamer Jamal vs Faheem Ashraf: A Closer Look at the Stats
While Faheem Ashraf’s recent form in the Bangladesh Premier League, where he claimed 20 wickets and posted an impressive strike rate of 231.81, played a role in his selection, his ODI performance last year was less than stellar. In the 2023 Asia Cup, Faheem conceded 74 runs in 10 overs and scored only 4 runs against India. In comparison, Aamer Jamal’s last ODI outing in November 2024 against Zimbabwe saw him claim 2 wickets in 5 overs, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
A deeper look at their ODI records further highlights the contrast between the two players. While Faheem Ashraf has played 34 ODIs since 2017, with an average of 46.30 and a strike rate of 53.6, Jamal’s more recent record, with 3 matches since 2024, shows promise. With an average of 28.33 and an economy rate of 5.31, Jamal has proven himself to be a dependable option with the ball.
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While Jamal’s exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad is disappointing, it may not be the end of his international career. His growing stature within Pakistan’s cricketing circles makes him an important player for future tours and tournaments.
However, the decision to overlook him in favor of Ashraf raises concerns about Pakistan’s selection policies and whether the best possible team is being chosen. With fans and analysts still debating the decision, it remains to be seen whether Pakistan’s selectors have made the right move.
In the world of cricket, where emotions run high, Aamer Jamal’s candid expression of frustration underscores the pressure that players face when overlooked for major tournaments. His continued development and contributions to Pakistan’s future endeavors will be something to watch closely as the national team prepares for the Champions Trophy and beyond.
