Shadab Khan and Usama Mir have been a topic of discussion ever since Pakistan’s ICC World Cup squad was announced.
Some of the fans think that Shadab, who has struggled to perform in the recent past, should be preferred in the lineup over Usama, meanwhile others are of the opinion that the latter should get the nod.
Speaking on the matter, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said that Usama should be picked ahead of Shadab in Pakistan’s playing XI.
“There is massive difference in their bowling. In terms of drift and body language Usama is much better,” Afridi said on a local news channel.
“Shadab used to score some runs but that is not the case right now so there is not much of a difference in their batting as well.
“Shadab was once the backbone of the Pakistan team and I was a huge supporter of him. But if you are unable to perform well, be it captain or vice-captain, a player should be benched and others should be given an opportunity.”
In the recent World Cup warm-up match against Australia, Shadab conceded 69 runs in 10 overs while picking up one wicket. Meanwhile, Usama claimed 2-31 in five overs.
The ICC Cricket World Cup is set to resume its action, picking up from where it left off four years ago, today.
Ahmedabad, the world's largest cricket stadium in India will host a clash between the 2019 finalists, England and New Zealand. If the opening match of the 2023 edition manages to match the excitement of the 2019 final, it will undoubtedly kickstart the tournament with a bang.
A total of 10 teams will fight for the elusive title across 10 venues from October 5 to November 19.
The Cricket World Cup will be played in the round-robin format with all teams playing against each other for a total of 45 league matches.
The top four teams will qualify for the semifinals, which will be held in Mumbai on November 15 and in Kolkata on November 16. The semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.
The winners of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 will earn US$4 million. The runners-up will receive US$2 million, while the losing semi-finalists will earn $800,000 each from the total prize pot of US$10 million.
The winners of each match in the group stage will receive US$40,000 and the six teams that do not qualify for the semi-finals will receive a payment of US$100,000.
- Shahid Afridi
