Former Pakistan fast bowler Abdur Rauf has voiced support for leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, stressing his importance to the national side.
Speaking on a Zor Ka Jor programme aired on Samaa TV, Rauf said Pakistan had given Abrar Ahmed consistent opportunities over the past year. He added that young spinner Sufiyan Muqeem had also been tested during this period.
Rauf said the return of Shadab Khan had raised questions about the team combination. According to him, the key decision would be whether Shadab replaces Mohammad Nawaz or Abrar Ahmed in the playing XI.
He described Abrar Ahmed as a specialist spinner on whom the Pakistan national cricket team heavily depends. Rauf said that without Abrar, Pakistan would struggle in the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka.
The former fast bowler further stated that only one of Nawaz or Shadab should be part of the final lineup. He added that it would be important to evaluate whether Shadab could complete his full bowling quota, although his batting performance remained acceptable.
Rauf also pointed out that Shadab Khan had not delivered consistent performances in major tournaments, including the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup.
