Salman Butt: “Abdullah Shafique, Said Ayub, Imam-ul-Haq are such batters who possess the ability to score centuries; all three should be included in the national ODI squad keeping the 2027 World Cup in mind”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt wants the batting trio of Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub and Imam-ul-Haq to be part of the ODI squad going forward as they have the ability to score centuries.
Additionally, he noted that Pakistan should be keeping an eye on the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup when picking their ODI team going forward.
Currently, Shafique averages 29.48 in the 50-over format, while Ayub and Imam’s batting averages stand at 46.93 and 47.04 respectively.
“Abdullah Shafique, Said Ayub, Imam-ul-Haq are such batters who possess the ability to score centuries; all three should be included in the national ODI squad keeping the 2027 World Cup in mind,” Salman was quoted as saying by journalist Arfa Feroz Zake on X.
Shafique and Imam recently featured in Pakistan’s two-Test series against the West Indies, with the former amassing 184 runs in one game, which included a sensational 160 not out.
As for Imam, he finished with 89 runs, which included a top score of 63, at an average of 22.25.
Pakistan’s next assignment will be a three-Test series against England, which will be held from August 19 to September 13.
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