Former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has voiced his disappointment over the performances of Pakistan’s so-called ‘mystery’ spinner Abrar Ahmed, highlighting his inability to bamboozle batters and the perceived over-the-top celebrations despite delivering frugal returns in Test cricket.
The Pakistan cricket community was abuzz with criticism when Pakistan’s red-ball captain, Shan Masood, excluded Abrar Ahmed from the playing XI in the first Test of a two-match series against Bangladesh. The decision came under heavy fire after Pakistan suffered a humiliating 10-wicket defeat. Team management had assumed the pitch wouldn’t offer much turn, a miscalculation that cost them dearly.
The formidable Bangladeshi duo of Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz wreaked havoc in the second innings, taking a combined tally of seven Pakistani wickets. Pakistan’s inability to counter the spin left them with nowhere to hide. Following this debacle, Abrar, who had been released to play for the Pakistan Shaheens (A team) against Bangladesh A, was hastily recalled for the second Test in Rawalpindi and included in the team’s starting XI.
Expectations were sky-high for the 25-year-old spinner, but the reality was far from promising. In the first innings, Abrar struggled to trouble the Bangladeshi batters, returning figures of none for 83 from 31 overs. The hopes for a turnaround in the second innings were dashed as Abrar could only clinch one wicket while conceding 40 runs in 14 overs.
The consequences of Abrar’s lackluster performance were significant. Pakistan, needing to defend a target of 185 runs, found themselves outplayed as Bangladesh comfortably chased it down with six wickets in hand. This recurring ineffectiveness spurred former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria to harshly criticize Abrar and dismiss any notions of him being a ‘mystery’ bowler.
“People were billing Abrar Ahmed as a mystery bowler. How can he be called a mystery bowler when he can’t even bamboozle the batters? He takes a couple of wickets here and there and shows aggression. He delivered an underwhelming performance in Rawalpindi,” Kaneria remarked during an exclusive interview with India TV.
Kaneria’s comments have shed light on a growing concern within Pakistan’s cricketing circles.
. Abrar’s inability to deliver in critical moments has sparked doubts about his future prospects. The Pakistan Test squad, already deficient in variety within the spin department, relies heavily on Abrar’s anticipated prowess. If he continues to falter, the team might find itself grappling with consistent underperformance on home soil.
The broader implications of this issue relate to Pakistan’s historical reliance on spin to achieve victory in home Test matches. The dearth of effective spinners in the squad is becoming increasingly problematic. Pakistan’s spin attack, once formidable with legends like Saqlain Mushtaq and Mushtaq Ahmed leading the charge, appears to be waning. The expectation from Abrar Ahmed was that he would fill these illustrious shoes, bringing some much-needed vigor and variety.
However, Abrar’s struggle to make an impact calls for a reevaluation of strategies and possibly even a call to action for Pakistan’s cricket board to reconsider their current roster and training methodologies. The team needs a spinner who can adapt to various pitch conditions, strategically out-think the batters, and deliver consistently. Building up new talent and possibly scouting for potential from domestic circuits might be the necessary steps to reinvigorate the spin attack.
Furthermore, Kaneria’s outspoken criticism might serve as a wake-up call for aspiring spinners in Pakistan. It underscores the level of scrutiny and expectation that accompanies international cricket, particularly in a nation with a rich history of producing top-tier spin bowlers. Young cricketers hoping to make their mark must understand the enormous pressure and the need for unwavering performance at the international level.
In conclusion, Abrar Ahmed’s recent underwhelming performances and the critique by Danish Kaneria amplify an underlying issue within Pakistan’s current cricket framework. Abrar’s journey highlights the challenges and pressures faced by emerging players and puts a spotlight on the urgent need for effective spinners in the Pakistan cricket team. The future of Pakistan’s success in home Test matches significantly hinges on addressing these concerns promptly and adeptly.
