Rashid Latif: “In Imad’s absence, Pakistan tried several all-rounders, including Mohammad Nawaz, but none of them performed”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Rashid Latif has called out spin-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz for failing to make the most of the opportunities provided to him.
He noted that the 30-year-old was one of many all-rounders tried out during Imad Wasim’s absence from the national team.
However, instead of cementing his spot in the side, Nawaz is likely to be axed as he has failed to take wickets regularly.
He did not help his cause during the 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he claimed two wickets in eight matches for the Karachi Kings at an average of 88 and an economy rate of 8.80.
With Imad having reversed his decision to retire from international cricket, the chances of Nawaz losing his place in the Pakistan team are even higher.
“In Imad’s absence, Pakistan tried several all-rounders, including Mohammad Nawaz, but none of them performed,” Latif told Cricket Pakistan.
Imad had a brilliant campaign in PSL 9 and played an instrumental role in leading Islamabad to the title as he picked up 12 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 20.91 and an economy rate of 6.60.
He also made his presence felt with the bat, scoring 126 runs, which included a top score of 59 not out, at an average of 21 and a strike-rate of 128.57.
Karachi Kings Squad for PSL 9: Shan Masood (captain), Kieron Pollard, Daniel Sams, Mohammad Nawaz, James Vince, Hasan Ali, Tim Seifert, Shoaib Malik, Tabraiz Shamsi, Mir Hamza, Muhammad Akhlaq, Mohammad Amir Khan, Anwar Ali, Arafat Minhas, Irfan Khan, Sirajuddin, Saad Baig, Jamie Overton, Leus du Plooy, Mohammad Rohid, Zahid Mahmood
Islamabad United Squad for PSL 9: Shadab Khan (captain), Naseem Shah, Jordan Cox, Imad Wasim, Azam Khan, Tymal Mills, Faheem Ashraf, Alex Hales, Colin Munro, Rumman Raees, Matthew Forde, Salman Ali Agha, Qasim Akram, Shahab Khan, Hunain Shah, Ubaid Shah, Shamyl Hussain, Obed McCoy, Haider Ali, Muhammad Waseem