Muhammad Haris’ Poor Form Raises Questions Ahead of Asia Cup 2025 – Selectors Clarify Their Role
Karachi (Sports Desk) – The performance of Muhammad Haris has become the hottest debate in Pakistan cricket, as he continues to struggle with the bat during the Triangular Series 2025. Despite repeated failures, Haris is still part of the playing XI, raising eyebrows among fans and experts.
However, the selectors have clarified that they have no role in finalizing the playing XI for the Triangular Series and the Asia Cup 2025. According to sources, all decisions regarding team selection are made by captain Salman Ali Agha and head coach Mike Hesson.
Muhammad Haris’ Performance Under Scrutiny
The form of Muhammad Haris has been deeply disappointing:
- In his last 10 T20I matches, Haris scored just 52 runs.
- His average has dipped to 5.77, with the highest score of only 15.
- He crossed double figures only twice in this entire period.
Experts believe that his frequent batting order changes are affecting his confidence.
- No. 3 vs Bangladesh,
- No. 8 and No. 4 vs West Indies,
- No. 7 and No. 5 in the Triangular Series.
This lack of consistency has left the young batter struggling to find rhythm.
Selectors Distance Themselves
The Pakistan selection committee has distanced itself from the controversy. “Our responsibility ends once the squad is announced. Playing XI is the management’s decision,” insiders explained.
This clears the selectors of responsibility for Haris’ continuous appearances despite poor form and for the delayed inclusion of Abrar Ahmed.
Wicketkeeping Crisis & Future Options
The poor run of Muhammad Haris has also raised concerns about Pakistan’s wicketkeeping depth.
- If Haris continues to fail, Sahibzada Farhan might be asked to keep wickets, though this move has been criticized by ex-captain Rashid Latif.
- Selectors are considering long-term alternatives, but preparing a new wicketkeeper will take time.
For now, Muhammad Rizwan still remains part of Pakistan’s future wicketkeeping plans.
Squad Bench Strength Still Untested
Despite Haris’ failures, other squad members like Mohammad Wasim Jr., Hussain Talat, and Khushdil Shah have yet to be tested. With the Asia Cup 2025 around the corner, experts warn that Pakistan must explore bench options.
Asia Cup 2025 – Big Questions Ahead
As Pakistan heads into the Asia Cup 2025, the main talking point will remain:
- Should Muhammad Haris still be given more chances?
- Or is it time to bring in new talent before it’s too late?
While fans continue to debate, the selectors have made it clear—the captain and coach alone decide the XI, not the committee.
Also read: India vs Pakistan – Asia Cup 2025: Match start time, team news and lineups
