Pakistan’s opening batsman Abdullah Shafique is facing intense criticism after a series of poor performances with the bat.
Shafique recorded his third consecutive duck in ODI cricket during the South Africa ODI series, marking a new low in his career.
This unfortunate achievement placed him among the few Pakistani cricketers to record three consecutive ducks in ODIs, a list that includes notable names such as Shoaib Mohammad, Shadab Kabir, Mohammad Wasim, Shoaib Malik and Salman Butt.
As Shafique struggles to find form, fans have taken to social media to express their displeasure with many demanding Fakhar Zaman’s return to the team.
“I still don’t understand the reason for Fakhar’s exclusion,” asked a fan.
Another fan expressed his frustration, stating: “He had potential, but he missed the golden opportunity. Now he needs a long rest. Fakhar Zaman deserved it, and now the case for Fakhar’s inclusion in the team is stronger.”
Several fans echoed this opinion, calling for Fakhar to replace Shafique as the starter.
“Bring Fakhar back in his place,” demanded one fan, while others referred to the concept of “Qudrat ka nizam”, reflecting their belief that Fakhar’s return to the team is part of a natural order.
“Fakhar Zaman is a hundred times better than him. He (Abdullah Shafique) is just test material,” a fan posted.
In addition to his recent ducks, the 25-year-old set another unwanted record in 2024, surpassing Imran Nazir and Mohammad Hafeez for the most international ducks in a calendar year.
With seven ducks so far in 2024, Shafique has surpassed Nazir (6 ducks in 32 innings in 2000) and Hafeez (6 ducks in 43 innings in 2012). Remarkably, he accomplished that feat in just 21 innings this year.
