Umar Akmal, Ahmed Shehzad return sets Twitter off

By
Web Desk
|
Umar Akmal (L) and Ahmed Shehzad (R) play in Auckland, New Zealand. March 7, 2015, and Colombo, Sri Lanka, August 13, 2014. REUTERS/Nigel Marple and Dinuka Liyanawatte/Files

Pakistani cricketers Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad are back in the game after the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) chief selector, Misbah ul Haq, said Monday they would be among the 20 probable players for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.

But Twitterati do not seem to be happy about it at all. In fact, many have pointed out that Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad have been "tried and tested" and that it did not make any sense to include them in the probables' squad once again.

Here's what cricket aficionados have to say about the selection:

"Umar Akmal, always give hopes during Domestic matches and PSL but gifts his wicket while he is playing for Pakistan," said @CricCrazyJohns.

Twitter user @Naqi_786 wrote: "Absolutely correct, we don’t want Ahmad Shazad and Umar Akmal back.

"Sir plz look in to it @captainmisbahpk."

"Lmaooo, Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal are back, that too selected by Misbah," said another.

@HasaanSaeed agreed, saying: "No new up coming talent n the tride and tested. No Sami Aslam, No Haider Ali etc.

"@captainmisbahpk been your supporter but this is a disappointing start to continue with the tried and tested."

The series against Sri Lanka would comprise one-day international (ODI) and Twenty20 international (T20I) matches scheduled to be held from September 27 to October 9 this year.

A user was so shocked that she tweeted a gif to convey her feelings.

"Umar akmal is back? What?"

Another wrote: "Disappointed at selection of umar akmal and ahmed shehzad.

"kya kisi new player ko itne or barbar chance milega..sahibzada farhan ko azmae bgher drop [Would any new player repeatedly get so many chances? Dropped Sahibzada Farhan without testing him]!"

Another tweeted emojis with the cricketers' names to convey how they felt.

User @ahsanahm3d said: "Lol.. 1 step forward 2 steps back (Umar Akmal & Ahmed Shehzad)."

The 20 probable players would take part in a training camp set to commence Wednesday at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

Some cricket fans, however, seemed to be happy.

"Ahmed Shehzad looks so much more fitter than before, seems like he is eager to comeback in the international set up where there has been clear focus on fitness."

"Not bad good to see Ahmed Shehzad. He has shown some character since last psl and has improved alot in fitness, character and performance. He's a great talent."

… Or were they really happy?

"Umar Akmal, the Ab de Villiers of #Pakistan. Thanks to Misbah to bring back these two legend(Ahmad Shahzad & Umar akmal)

"Now they will show their hidden talent once again. Welcome back."

Yet one question remained.

And that was: "How many more chances will we give them?"


Other probables included Sarfaraz Ahmed (captain), Babar Azam (vice-captain), Abid Ali, Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Usman Shinwari and Wahab Riaz.

Read more: