Syed Qalbe Muhammad
Pakistan cricket continues to face trouble due to unfair selection and personal likes and dislikes. As a result, series outcomes often shock viewers and the entire nation.
Fair selection remains the key to success. Unfortunately, the nation’s interest remains largely confined to cricket rather than other sports. But weak performance, lower ICC rankings, and internal politics have also damaged cricket’s viewership. If someone disagrees, they will see the results in the near future.
Recently, I reviewed the profile of Karachi-born Saad Baig, a wicketkeeper-batsman who appears to have been neglected by the selection committee despite being a top performer in Pakistan’s domestic circuit.
Just take a look at his first-class record: Baig has played 27 matches and 47 innings, scoring 1739 runs at an average of 39.52 with a strike rate of 63.76. He has 4 centuries and 8 half-centuries, along with 79 catches and 11 stumpings. His highest score is 154.
In 11 List A matches he scored 330 runs with 3 fifties. In 25 T20s Baig has scored 446 runs off 335 balls with 2 half-centuries followed by 14 PSL matches for Karachi Kings, Saad has made 213 runs off 169 balls at a strike rate of 126.03 with one fifty.
He was also named Player of the Tournament in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, scoring 1000 runs at an average of 55.55 and effecting 32 dismissals in just 10 matches. These numbers clearly prove his talent and abilities.
Baig has already captained Pakistan U19 at the 2024 World Cup and is a regular for Karachi Kings. Yet, he continues to be overlooked while the national team struggles for consistent wicketkeeper-batters.
What Experts Are Saying:
Former Test Cricketer and International Record Holder Shoaib Muhammad said:
“Saad Baig should have been selected for the national team.He has a double advantage due to his batting skills and being a left-hander. He was also captain of Pakistan Under-19 two years ago. He knows the art of scoring centuries and playing long innings. His defence is also very strong. He is a quality youngster who can serve Pakistan for a long time. This is the right time to give him a chance as soon as possible because Muhammad Rizwan is struggling in both batting and wicketkeeping due to fitness issues. The time will soon come when we will see Baig in the Pakistan team. I hope that the PCB’s planning is on similar lines.”
Former First-Class Cricketer Sajid Abbasi added that: “Former captain Sarfraz Ahmed is with the Pakistan team. He should support Saad and try to bring him into the Pakistan squad at least. He is a deserving player. The time of our left-handers like Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq will be over soon, so we need to groom at least this classy batsman. He has the ability to perform in all three formats of cricket. I have personally judged him in both batting and wicketkeeping. He is the future of Pakistan, In Sha Allah.”
Conclusion:
If Pakistan cricket wants to rebuild trust with fans, the message must be clear: perform in domestic cricket, and you will get your chance. Ignoring top domestic performers like Saad Baig only fuels the perception that selection is based on personal liking rather than merit.
