Wasim Akram: “I can’t understand why Fawad is not getting an opportunity”

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Legendary Pakistan left-arm seamer Wasim Akram has admitted that he is baffled by chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq’s decision to overlook all-rounder Fawad Alam for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England.

Alam has not played Test cricket since November 2009, but has been knocking on the door for a recall for the past few seasons due to his consistent performances on the domestic circuit.

Alam has been one of the most consistent performers on the domestic circuit as his average for the past four seasons of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy has been 40.71, 55.54, 56 and 71.90.

“Players play domestic circuit in view of getting an opportunity to play international cricket,” Akram was quoted as saying by the Business Recorder. “I can’t understand why Fawad is not getting an opportunity. He is still out from the squad despite scoring runs in domestic on an average of 50 in the last three-four years. It’s beyond me.”

Meanwhile, big-hitting opener Fakhar Zaman received his maiden call-up to the squad, along with four other players – Imam-ul-Haq, Usman Salahuddin, Saad Ali and Faheem Ashraf.

When asked about Zaman’s inclusion in the Test side, Akram said: “Its good to have Zaman. He puts pressure on the opponents like Warner and Sehwag.”

Pakistan’s Test match against Ireland, which will get underway on May 11 in Dublin, will be a historic fixture as it will be the latter’s first-ever Test match.

As for their tour of England, it will consist of two Tests, with the first beginning on May 24 at Lord’s. The second Test will be held at Headingley in Leeds on June 1.