Pakistan’s Babar Azam plays a knock during the first T20 cricket match between Pakistan and Australia in Lahore, Pakistan. (PTI Photo) Amid uncertainty over their participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup, there have been concerns in Pakistan over a growing pattern of visiting teams from SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) nations resting key players during the tour after fellow Australian side lost the first T20I by 22 runs.Australia have rested several top players who are part of their T20 World Cup squad for the ongoing three-match series against Pakistan. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell and Nathan Ellis are not part of the squad, with Cricket Australia citing injury recovery and the need for rest ahead of the T20 World Cup, which starts on February 7.
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In the first T20I on Thursday, Australia also handed debuts to three players. Senior members of the touring team, including captain Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, wicketkeeper Josh Inglis and first-choice fast bowlers Scott Abbott and Ben Dwarshuis, were not included in the playing eleven.The team selection led to criticism in Pakistan, with former players and analysts questioning Australia’s approach to the series.“They have already come here without some of their key players and they are not playing their best players in the touring team in the first match. I see it as an insult to Pakistani cricket fans,” said cricket analyst and writer Omair Alavi.Former Pakistan captain Moin Khan said the approach was part of a wider trend, but added it was affecting cricket in the country.“Recently, we have seen New Zealand, South Africa and Australia coming with weakened teams to Pakistan. It is like they are fulfilling their formality to play the series,” he said.Former batsman and chief Test selector Haroon Rasheed said Pakistan should make the most of the situation and should not hesitate to pick their strongest side.“It’s a bit confusing to play a three-match series so close to the World Cup and not field your best players when they have to play in a tournament in similar conditions,” he said.Australia tour Pakistan for the first time in any format since 2022.
