ISPL | Ahmedabad Lions’ Farman Khan on T10 strategy, the way forward
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.