Sohaib Maqsood: “I will pick Salman Mirza over even Naseem Shah”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Veteran Pakistan batsman Sohaib Maqsood said he would choose Salman Mirza over fellow fast bowler Naseem Shah based on current form.
Maqsood was particularly impressed with Mirza’s performances in the 2026 T20 World Cup, where he took four wickets in four matches at an average of 15.25 and an economy rate of 6.77.
So far in his international career, the 32-year-old has claimed 23 wickets in 17 T20Is at an average of 16.13 and an economy rate of 6.43.
Given how effective Mirza has been with the ball, he has established himself as one of Pakistan’s go-to seamers in the shortest format.
“I will pick Salman Mirza over even Naseem Shah,” Maqsood said on X.
Pakistan are currently preparing to face the West Indies in a two-Test series, which will take place in Trinidad and Tobago from July 25 to August 6.
They will then head to England for a three-Test series from August 19 to September 13.
Pakistan Squad for West Indies Test Series: Babar Azam (captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Awais Zafar, Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah
Pakistan Squad for England Test series: Babar Azam (captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Awais Zafar, Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel (subject to fitness), Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah