• Mohammad Haris was chosen over Sarfaraz Ahmed because of his batting.
• PCB released the squads for the team’s upcoming international matches.
• Wasim said that the selection committee was seeking for the backup wicket-keeper for the Australian tour.

Mohammad Haris was chosen over Sarfaraz Ahmed because he can start the batting as well, according to Chief Selector Mohammad Wasim, who gave his opinion on the team selection for the T20 World Cup and the England series on Friday.

On Thursday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released the squads for the team’s upcoming international matches, replacing Mohammad Rizwan for the home series against England with Mohammad Haris. He is also a traveling backup for the ICC competition that is taking place in Australia.

Wasim said that the selection committee was seeking for the backup wicket-keeper for the Australian tour, someone who can also play as an opener, when they chose Mohammad Haris over the more seasoned Sarfaraz Ahmed.

Wasim said that “Since Mohammad Rizwan is an opener, we would only need a reserve wicket-keeper if he (Rizwan) is unfit or unable to bat. In that case we would require an opening batsman and Haris perfectly qualifies for that.”

Wasim claimed that although they admire Sarfaraz for his contributions to national cricket, they don’t believe he can make a difference when playing at No. 6 or No. 7 in white-ball matches.

At that position, the team often requires a power hitter, he continued.

“Sarfaraz, however, is back-up wicketkeeper for red-ball cricket where his experience is required. His selection on the team for the T20 World Cup also came under discussion but in the end, we feel that an alternative to Rizwan should be the one who can also open.”

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