One ex-cricketer from Pakistan labels two players nothing more than a 'burden' to the team.

Former player Bakht criticises young batsmen of Pakistan for being “burdens” and asks for senior players to be more consistent. Former Pakistan cricketer Sikandar Bakht has countercritiqued the situation of young and senior players in the Pakistan team while the green shirts are in an ongoing ODI series against the Australians. On a Pakistani talk show, Bakht took apart young batsmen Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub by calling them “burdens” on the squad, while also demonstrating his astonishment towards the Pakistan team’s selection and strategy. The former player Sukandar Bahkt went on to say that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, despite their experience, have not taken the lead in dire situations as one is expected to. “They are expected to lead in hard times; don’t forget their experience,” he went on to say. “Babar and Rizwan are the team’s most experienced players, yet they don’t anchor through tough times; it’s quite odd,” Bahkt stated, while also mentioning that Fakhar Zaman was the only real match winner in ODIs for the fringes yet unjustly continues to sit out. Bahkt also admired Naseem Shah for not backing down, adding how the young fast bowler had “guts” to bat when Pakistan only managed a sub-par score of 203 in the first ODI due to his teammates not supporting him. “Ahmed bowled only for three overs but managed to stay at the crease for longer in the first ODI. If there is anyone Peshawar should ever be proud of, it’s him,” stated Bahkt. In this game, Pakistan went on to lose by 42 runs, making the Australian team keep their heads held high after scoring 206 runs in 33.3 overs. Despite some good bowling from Haris Rauf (3 wickets) and Shaheen Afridi (2), Pakistan lost the game as Australia's Pat Cummins batted with composure and helped Australia reach the set target. Pakistan's use of the ball and fielding was criticised, especially after conceding 21 runs in extras, of which 17 were wides. The series is currently 1-0 in favour of Australia, with Pakistan aiming for a comeback in the second ODI in Adelaide on 8 November.