Babar Azam And Selector Muhammad Wasim At Loggerheads Over Shan Masood's Batting Slot

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and chief selector, Muhammad Wasim, are at a crossroads regarding the batting position of Shan Masood. The duo has put out separate statements regarding Masood’s slot, indicating differences in opinion.

Wasim stated that Masood could well be tested out in the middle order considering it is weak compared to the top order which consists of Babar himself alongside Mohammad Rizwan.

“I have told Shan that he should now try to bat in the middle order so that we have evidence he can make the change for us,” Wasim stated.

In response, Babar insisted that Masood playing in the middle-order is quite ‘unfair’ to him as he is a specialist top-order batter.

“Shan Masood bats at the top of the order and he has not batted lower down the order. I think it would be unfair with Shan to play him at Nos 5 or 6. We have an eye on him and he will be considered taking the balance of the side into account,” Babar was quoted as saying in Lahore.

“It is too early to give Muhammad Haris a chance” – Babar Azam

Media speculations rose that Muhammad Haris was set to get a chance in the upcoming ODI series against West Indies. However, Babar continued to back his fellow opener, Mohammad Rizwan.

“It is too early to give him a chance. Rizwan has not been performing as expected in ODIs but he is still adding value at his position. Our combination is balanced and I have full faith in Rizwan as I will always have his back,” he further mentioned.

Pakistan will play against West Indies in a 3-match ODI series in Multan starting on June 8.

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