PAK vs ENG: “At Least Let Mohammad Nawaz Bowl If He Is Your Main Player” – Salman Butt Slams Babar Azam's Captaincy

Former Pakistan National Cricket Team captain Salman Butt has slammed Babar Azam for not letting Mohammad Nawaz bowl in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 summit clash.

Spinner Nawaz was not given the opportunity to bowl in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Even after Shaheen Shah Afridi got injured after bowling the first delivery of his third over, skipper Babar decided to hand the remaining over to part-timer Iftikhar Ahmed instead of Nawaz. Overall, the left-arm spinner bowled just nine overs in the World Cup and bagged three wickets.

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Speaking in a video shared on his YouTube channel, Butt mentioned that Babar had labelled Nawaz as a match-winner after Pakistan’s defeat to India, but then he wasn’t brave enough to give even one over to the left-arm spinner in the final. He said:

“They [Pakistan] are creating more limitations for their own players by telling them that they cannot bowl to left-handers. Babar should have shown some bravery.

“Babar had said that Nawaz was his main player while speaking for YouTube content. At least let him bowl if he is your main player.”

Mohammad Nawaz is Pakistan’s main bowler, but Babar didn’t bring him on – Salman Butt

Butt further talked about Babar’s decision to bring in Iftikhar Ahmed over Nawaz to complete Shaheen Shah Afridi’s over and said that “everyone is just bothered about matchups”. He elaborated:

“Babar brought in Iftikhar Ahmed to complete Shaheen Afridi’s over when Ben Stokes was at the crease. Everyone is just bothered about matchups these days. Mohammad Nawaz is Pakistan’s main bowler, but Babar didn’t bring him on.

“Does he only bowl to right-handers during the PSL, or is he referred to as a left-arm spin only to right-handers? They should add that description to the bowling column if that is the case.”

Also Read: PAK vs ENG: “Thoda Toh Trust Show Karo Mohammad Nawaz Par” – Mohammad Amir Criticises Babar Azam’s Captaincy