Babar Azam on Mohammad Abbas Omission: ‘It’s Down to Conditions’ as Ubaid Shah and Mohammad Ali Step In
Pakistan captain Babar Azam has addressed the surprise decision to leave out Mohammad Abbas from the playing XI, stressing that the call came down purely to match conditions.
Shock Omission of a Consistent Performer
Despite being widely regarded as their most consistent seam bowler, Mohammad Abbas found himself on the sidelines. The experienced pacer was replaced in the XI by Ubaid Shah and Mohammad Ali, a move that raised eyebrows among fans and observers.
Babar Azam was quick to clarify the reasoning behind the change when speaking after the team announcement.
It’s down to conditions.
Why the Change in the Seam Attack?
The captain’s brief explanation pointed directly at the specific demands of the pitch and weather rather than any dip in form from Abbas. This left the door open for the two other seamers to take their places in the side.
- Mohammad Abbas – most consistent seam bowler left out
- Ubaid Shah – brought into the XI
- Mohammad Ali – also selected ahead of Abbas
The decision highlights how selection in Pakistan’s pace battery can shift rapidly depending on the surface expected for the match.
Impact on the Bowling Unit
With Abbas sitting out, the responsibility now falls on the shoulders of the incoming pair. Both Ubaid Shah and Mohammad Ali will be looking to make the most of the opportunity presented by the conditions-focused selection.
Babar Azam‘s comments underline that the move was tactical and not a reflection on Abbas‘s overall contributions to the team.
Fans will be watching closely to see how the new combination performs in the upcoming fixture and whether Mohammad Abbas returns once conditions change again.