Mohammad Hafeez: “Mohammad Ali of Multan Sultans should play ODI cricket for Pakistan in [the] near future because his line and length is very much correct”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez believes senior pace bowler Mohammad Ali should make his ODI debut “in [the] near future” as he can be a major asset.
His comments come after Ali dominated while playing for the Multan Sultans in the 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL).
The 31-year-old, who played two Tests in December 2022, was the second-highest wicket-taker in PSL 9 with 19 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 18.63 and an economy rate of 8.23.
Explaining why he wants Ali in the Pakistan ODI team, Hafeez, who previously served as Pakistan’s team director and interim head coach, pointed out that the Sialkot native’s line and length are impeccable.
“Mohammad Ali of Multan Sultans should play ODI cricket for Pakistan in [the] near future because his line and length is very much correct,” he was quoted as saying by journalist Arfa Feroz Zake on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Ali was not picked for Pakistan’s recent five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which ended as a 2-2 draw.
Next up for the men in green will be a three-match T20I series against Ireland from May 10 to 14.
After that, they will play four T20Is against England from May 22 to May 30.
Pakistan Squad for Ireland and England T20I Series: Babar Azam (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan