The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has always been a place for exciting cricket games, and Faheem Ashraf’s heroics in 2023 were no different.
In a close match, Ashraf hit three fours and a six in the last over to help Islamabad United beat Multan Sultans by 18 runs.
This incredible feat was hailed as one of the most exciting finishes in PSL history. With platforms like the bpexch app, fans relieved this thrilling moment and many others from the tournament.
However, fast forward to today, and Faheem Ashraf has become one of the most debated figures in Pakistani cricket.
He was recently chosen for the Champions Trophy, which has caused a lot of debate among fans, experts, and past players.
The Controversial Selection
Many people in the cricket community are surprised that Faheem Ashraf was picked for the Champions Trophy. Critics say his recent performances do not justify his place in the national team.
Social media sites, especially X (formerly Twitter), have been flooded with memes and conspiracy theories. One post even said, “Faheem Ashraf is the worst all-rounder in the history of Pakistani cricket, but he was put on the team because he is close with the PML-N.”
Wasim Akram, who used to be captain of Pakistan, also voiced his worries. “Faheem Ashraf is in the group.” I hope the best for him. He is very good at cricket. However, he has bowled 100 times in the last 20 games and hit nine times on average, Akram said in a recent interview.
The statistics back Akram’s remark. That’s 142 runs in 19 ODIs, or 10.14 runs per game, since 2019. He has taken eight wickets with the ball, averaging 101.37. In his last 18 innings, he has not taken a wicket in 11 of them.
Claims of political bias and selection flaws
The controversy surrounding Faheem Ashraf’s pick has taken a political turn. Another ex-Pakistan captain, Rashid Latif, didn’t hold back when he spoke his mind. “It’s a political election.
“The reason given for his choice is not acceptable to anyone.” If he is good enough to play in the Champions Trophy, why doesn’t he have a central contract? Why was he not there on recent South Africa and Australia tours?”
Latif also pointed out the inconsistencies in Pakistan’s choosing process. People who had already retired were picked to play in the 2024 Twenty20 World Cup. There is some stress on the judges. I won’t question their integrity, but there are loopholes in the selection methods.”
Pakistan cricket lacks a chief selector, and head coach Aaqib Javed significantly influences team selection. However, rumors suggest former chief selector Wahab Riaz is still pulling the strings behind the scenes.
Riaz worked in the sports ministry for Mohsin Naqvi, now the head of the PCB, and was the interim chief minister of Punjab. It is also known that Faheem Ashraf has ties to the ruling PML-N party, which makes the political claims even stronger.
Standing up for Faheem Ashraf
Even though Faheem Ashraf has been criticized, some people have spoken out in his defense. His teammates and coaches argue that he has been unfairly judged.
An Islamabad United teammate supported him, saying, “He has played many match-winning innings in the PSL.
His starting points in ODI cricket are way too low. He either has more than 12 runs to score or only two or three overs left when he comes in. He hasn’t had many chances to bat with more overs behind him at the senior level.
Ashraf made runs and took wickets in the recently ended Champions Cup one-day matches, which may have contributed to his selection. His performance in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) was also considered.
Coach Hanif Malik, who has worked with several current Pakistani cricketers, including Saud Shakeel and Saim Ayub, thinks the selectors had limited choices. “I have no other choice,” Malik said. “Faheem is a match-winner.
The issue is that the Pakistan team doesn’t create an atmosphere that helps them produce game-winners. Data analysts say Faheem is the best choice because he consistently wins games for Islamabad United.
Malik also discussed Ashraf’s role as an all-rounder in the batting order. “He’s the best choice for the slot where he’s supposed to bat.” I agree with you that he is the best sixth bowler.
This part isn’t quite right for Mohammad Wasim Jr. The team needs a batting all-rounder, and Faheem fits that job perfectly.”
Recent Performances and Hopes for the Future
Faheem Ashraf has fans, but his recent results haven’t made his critics disappear. In the tri-series final against New Zealand, which Pakistan lost, Ashraf got 22 runs off 21 deliveries and bowled 2.2 overs without much success.
He also played two games in the 2023 Asia Cup, getting four runs and taking one wicket. In a league fixture against India, he failed to make a significant impact.
It’s still not clear how well Ashraf can perform under pressure. He is helpful because he can pinch, hit, and hit the ball at a medium speed, but he hasn’t proven himself at the world level yet.
Final Thoughts
Faheem Ashraf’s journey in Pakistani cricket has been a rollercoaster ride. From being a PSL hero to becoming a controversial figure, his career has seen both highs and lows.
Ashraf’s selection for the Champions Trophy has caused a lot of discussion across the country. Still, he could be the game-winner. He must turn his good play in the league and at home to win over his critics and achieve consistent success abroad.