![Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan squad [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1776517903320_PakistansquadforBangladeshTest.jpg?type=hq)
Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan squad [Source: AFP]
Pakistan cricket has once again found itself in the eye of a storm and this time the heat is firmly on the Pakistan Cricket Board led by Mohsin Naqvi.
The Pakistan squad announcement for the upcoming Bangladesh Test series has raised more eyebrows than applause with former pacer Tanveer Ahmed openly questioning the selection calls. And let’s just say, he didn’t hold back. Not one bit.
Selection storm sparks debate
The biggest talking point? The inclusion of young wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori ahead of the in-form Saad Baig.
Tanveer took to X and tore into the selectors as he questioned what exactly is the yardstick for selection these days. According to him, the system seems upside down, where performers are warming the bench while lesser-tested names are fast-tracked into the national side.
His words were sharp and straight to the point. He openly questioned Ghori’s selection as he highlighted his lack of consistent domestic exposure this season.
Numbers don’t lie
When you stack the numbers side by side, the contrast is clear. Saad Baig has been in red-hot form. The Karachi Blues batter smashed 1000 runs in 10 matches in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025–26, averaging over 55.
Add his performances in the President’s Trophy, and he has piled up around 1400 runs across formats. On the other hand, Ghazi Ghori has had a much lighter workload. Just one match in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy where he scored 83 runs.
Yes, he did put together a decent run in the President’s Trophy with 531 runs in 7 games, but the sample size still raises eyebrows. And that is exactly where the criticism is coming from.
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Tanveer Ahmed doesn’t mince words
Tanveer didn’t sugarcoat anything. He called out what he sees as flawed selection logic. His main argument was simple: cricket is not a one-match lottery.
He stressed that consistency over time should carry more weight than short bursts of performance. In his view, picking players based on limited appearances sends the wrong message to those grinding it out season after season in domestic cricket.
Pakistan squad takes shape
Despite the noise, the Pakistan squad for the Bangladesh Tests is locked in. Shan Masood will continue to lead the side with a few fresh faces thrown into the mix.
Four uncapped players: Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, and Ghazi Ghori have earned call-ups. The squad will assemble in Karachi on April 27 for a training camp before flying out to Bangladesh on May 2.
Bangladesh Tests and what lies ahead
The two-match Test series, part of the World Test Championship cycle, will kick off in Dhaka from May 8 to 12, followed by the second Test in Sylhet from May 16 to 20.
With conditions expected to test both technique and temperament, Pakistan will need players who can dig in and deliver when the chips are down.
More than just a selection call
When domestic performers feel overlooked, the ripple effect can be massive. Dressing room chatter grows. Fans start asking questions. And suddenly, the focus shifts from the field to the boardroom.
Tanveer Ahmed has simply voiced what many believe is brewing beneath the surface. Now the ball is in PCB’s court.
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