(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Pakistan stars Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were surprisingly overlooked in the recent draft for The Hundred, the English domestic 100-ball cricket tournament. This exclusion has sparked debate within the cricket fraternity.
Babar, the world’s No. 1 ranked ODI batsman, and Rizwan, a consistent wicketkeeper-batsman, are considered to be two of the most talented players in white-ball cricket. Their recent performances in international matches have been commendable. Azam’s elegant strokeplay and Rizwan’s aggressive batting have garnered them a global fanbase.
Ever since The Hundred launched in 2021, the duo have not been able to found a buyer in any season.
This snub has disappointed many Pakistani cricket fans who were eager to see their star players compete in The Hundred. Social media is abuzz with discussions about the exclusion, with some fans questioning the selection criteria.
The rejection of Babar and Rizwan wasn’t a complete shutout for Pakistani players in The Hundred draft. While the star duo was overlooked, there were a few bright spots. Fast-bowler Shaheen Afridi was retained by the Welsh Fire, while veteran all-rounder Imad Wasim returned to the Trent Rockets and young pace sensation Naseem Shah was picked up by the Birmingham Phoenix.