Fast bowler Tabish Khan has been performing extremely well in the ongoing Quaid-i-Azam Trophy and voices are being raised on social media demanding his inclusion in the national team. Till now, he is probably the most wicket taker in the outgoing first-class Competition.
His consistency can be measured from the fact that he has completed his 37th five wickets haul in first-class cricket.
But despite of his brilliance with the ball, Tabish has failed to attract the selectors who have their own plans. As I discovered about selectors’ mindset, Tabish doesn’t fall in their future plans because of his age, 34. They are naturally interested to groom some youngster instead of wasting time on Tabish.
Of course age is not with Tabish but he has been showing consistency and his hunger for taking wickets in pursuit of his dream to represent Pakistan, which every upcoming cricketer see. Four years ago Tabish had got an offer to play for USA but he declined because playing for Pakistan was his priority.
How cruel our system is that we decline to give chance to a deserving cricketer at his peak and then after two or three years start drumming that he is over aged. At least Misbah should not carry PCB’s old aged syndrome because he too had suffered from it during his prime days.
It is sad that no one pays attention to Tabish’s continuous performances. It becomes a more painful feeling when selectors include old cricketers in the team. Take the example of old aged Mohammad Irfan who was selected on Australian tour.
“In a recent interview Tabish also expressed dismay over not getting a chance to play international cricket but at the same time he asserted with a smiling face that he would continue to work hard and perform. This reflects a serious sportsman in him who is not dejected but determined to work hard to catch selectors’
attention and nod.
In 125 first-class matches, Tabish has taken 560 wickets at 23.56, which means that he is taking almost five wickets in every match. 8 for 32 is his best bowling.
Through ScoreLine I would urge upon Misbah and his co-selectors to give Tabish a chance in Test series against Sri Lanka, next month. It would give him a satisfying pleasure that his long struggle and hard work are not wasted.