Pakistan fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani found himself in the eye of a storm as he expressed his dissatisfaction with the selection committee’s decision to exclude him from the upcoming Asia Cup squad. Although he swiftly deleted his tweets, the social media screenshots had already spread like wildfire across the internet, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take action. Led by Zaka Ashraf, the PCB issued a stern verbal warning to Shahnawaz Dahani for his public criticism of the selection committee.
Consistent Performer in Domestic Circuit
Despite his last One Day International (ODI) appearance for Pakistan being in June 2022, Shahnawaz Dahani has consistently showcased his skills in the domestic cricket arena. He demonstrated his prowess by securing 17 wickets in seven matches during the 2022/23 Pakistan One Day Cup tournament, maintaining an impressive average of 19.82. Additionally, his remarkable performance during Pakistan’s tour of Zimbabwe earlier this year earned him recognition. He claimed 13 wickets, and his achievements culminated with a remarkable five-wicket haul against Nepal during the Emerging Asia Cup.
Selection Committee’s Choices
In a surprising turn of events, the Inzamam-ul-Haq-led selection committee decided to omit Shahnawaz Dahani from the Asia Cup squad. Instead, they opted for Naseem Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, and Shaheen Afridi to bolster the pace department. This decision left Dahani feeling ignored and overlooked.
Responding to the Omission
Dahani chose not to remain silent about his exclusion from the squad. In response to a tweet by former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif, who had shared recent statistics of all Pakistan pacers, Dahani addressed his omission. He highlighted his remarkable List A records to correct the misconception about his abilities. His caption read, “Seems as if Dahani is not a Pakistani pacer.”
Despite Rashid Latif later offering an apology for his mistake, Dahani’s frustration remained palpable. He voiced his displeasure over the lack of discussion surrounding his omission, stating, “Not even a single journalist or cricket analyst even dared to ask questions or show these stats to selectors. #ripsportsjournalism.”
PCB’s Response
The aftermath of Dahani’s tweets led to a direct interaction with PCB officials. He received a call and was reprimanded for airing his grievances so publicly. This incident highlights the challenges faced by modern athletes as they navigate social media and its impact on their careers.
Looking Ahead
As Pakistan continues its preparations for the impending ODI World Cup, there is still an opportunity for Dahani to make his way back into the squad. The PCB has the flexibility to make adjustments, which could result in his inclusion. Alternatively, he might find a place in the Asian Games squad, showcasing his talents on a different platform.
Conclusion
Shahnawaz Dahani’s candid expression of his frustrations and disappointments regarding his exclusion from the Asia Cup squad has sparked conversations about the selection process and the role of social media in modern sports. As fans eagerly await further developments, time will tell if Dahani’s efforts will lead to a change in his status and the path of his cricketing journey.
