Faheem Ashraf – an underutilised all-rounder or a controversial selection?

Faheem Ashraf: An Underutilized All-rounder or a Controversial Selection?

In a thrilling PSL game in 2023, Faheem Ashraf scored 18 runs off the final over to win the match for Islamabad United against Multan Sultans. However, his selection for the Champions Trophy has sparked a nationwide debate in Pakistan.

Critics argue that Faheem is not a deserving candidate, pointing to his poor performance in the last 20 matches, where he has an average of 100 with the ball and nine with the bat. In the last 18 innings he has bowled, he has been wicketless in 11 of them.

Former captain Wasim Akram also questioned Faheem's selection, stating that he has not performed well in the last 19 ODIs. Since 2019, Faheem has scored 142 runs at an average of 10.14 and taken eight wickets at an average of 101.37.

Rashid Latif, a former Pakistan captain, called Faheem's selection a "political selection," stating that there are debatable issues and loopholes in the selection process. He also questioned why Faheem does not have a central contract and was not included in recent tours of South Africa and Australia.

Despite the criticism, Faheem has his defenders. An Islamabad United teammate pointed out that Faheem has played many match-winning matches in the PSL and has performed well in the recent Champions Cup one-dayers. However, the teammate also acknowledged that Faheem's entry points in ODI cricket are low, and he has not had many opportunities to bat with more overs behind him.

Coach Hanif Malik defended Faheem's selection, stating that he is a match-winner and the best option for the role of a batting all-rounder. He also noted that Faheem consistently wins matches for Islamabad United and is the best choice for the position.

In the tri-series final against New Zealand, Faheem scored 22 off 21 deliveries and bowled 2.2 overs without much success. He also played in two games in the 2023 Asia Cup, scoring four runs and claiming one wicket.

Overall, Faheem's selection for the Champions Trophy has been controversial, with critics pointing to his poor performance in recent matches. However, his defenders argue that he has the skills to be a match-winner and has performed well in the PSL and recent Champions Cup one-dayers.