Sufiyan Muqeem’s Exclusion Triggers Social Media Debate

KARACHI: The omission of left-arm wrist spinner Sufiyan Muqeem from the final T20I against Bangladesh has ignited discussion among fans online, who are questioning the rationale behind the team selection.

Muqeem, who debuted for Pakistan in T20Is at the 2023 Asian Games, gained recognition for his outstanding performance against Zimbabwe the previous year. He achieved the best bowling figures for Pakistan in the format, securing five wickets while conceding only three runs.

To date, the 25-year-old has participated in 10 T20Is, claiming 18 wickets at an impressive average of 10.66 and maintaining an economy rate of just 6.06. His most recent appearance in a T20I match was against New Zealand in March of this year.

Muqeem was a member of Peshawar Zalmi in this year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL), but he only played in three games, taking one wicket with a weak average of 107 and an economy rate of 11.

Despite his difficulties in the PSL, Muqeem secured a spot in Pakistan’s squad for the away series against Bangladesh. However, he was not included in the playing XI for any of the three matches, despite the spin-friendly conditions at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.

His absence has sparked criticism from fans, who have described his exclusion as unfair and questionable.

One user on X (formerly Twitter) commented, “If Sufiyan Muqeem can’t get into the team on these pitches in Bangladesh, then it’s baffling why he chose to play cricket. It’s a shame and reflects poorly on the team management’s mindset.”

Another user asked, “Why isn’t Sufiyan Muqeem playing in the 3rd T20?!?”>

Expressing similar disappointment, another user said, “This is an injustice to Sufiyan Muqeem.”