Irfan Pathan warms up during a practice session in Indore.—AFP

NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram is baffled by the Indian selection committee’s decision to opt for Abhimanyu Mithun over an in-form Irfan Pathan for the upcoming tour of Australia.

“I would’ve definitely picked Irfan. His previous experiences in Australia would have been a boost to Team India. I don’t know why he wasn’t considered,” said a stunned Wasim.

The fast bowling legend felt bringing back the buoyant Irfan at this stage would have been ideal.

“Irfan has hit peak form, and it would have been perfect to unleash him at this stage. He looks confident and his swing would have been very handy in those conditions,” he said.

Wasim, who has mentored Irfan in the past, also felt the selectors should have named Praveen Kumar’s replacement after the last two ODIs against the West Indies. The UP pacer is out with an injury.

“If they gave Abhimanyu Mithun an opportunity in the Ahmedabad ODI, it would have only been fair to see how Irfan performed in the remaining two games. I think it’s a bit unfair, but the selectors probably had a different line of thinking,” Wasim remarked.—Agencies

Opinion

Editorial

X post facto
Updated 19 Apr, 2024

X post facto

Our decision-makers should realise the harm they are causing.
Insufficient inquiry
19 Apr, 2024

Insufficient inquiry

UNLESS the state is honest about the mistakes its functionaries have made, we will be doomed to repeat our follies....
Melting glaciers
19 Apr, 2024

Melting glaciers

AFTER several rain-related deaths in KP in recent days, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority has sprung into...
IMF’s projections
Updated 18 Apr, 2024

IMF’s projections

The problems are well-known and the country is aware of what is needed to stabilise the economy; the challenge is follow-through and implementation.
Hepatitis crisis
18 Apr, 2024

Hepatitis crisis

THE sheer scale of the crisis is staggering. A new WHO report flags Pakistan as the country with the highest number...
Never-ending suffering
18 Apr, 2024

Never-ending suffering

OVER the weekend, the world witnessed an intense spectacle when Iran launched its drone-and-missile barrage against...