Former Pakistan pacer Junaid Khan has publicly questioned wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay’s recall to the Pakistan squad, saying there was no domestic performance to justify the call-up.
Junaid said Nafay had not been picked for the Pakistan Super League and had not played major-league cricket for the national team. He put the wicketkeeper’s T20 average at around 20 and argued that the selectors had no sound basis for bringing him back.
Why Junaid raised the question: Khawaja Nafay selection
The former left-arm quick said the selection looked unexplained. “He was not called up for the PSL, and he has not played any cricket for our team… there was no performance to justify his return,” he said.
Junaid went further, describing Nafay as a tape-ball cricketer. “He is a Taipia [tape-ball] player, yet he is part of the Pakistan team,” he said.
He also rejected the idea that Nafay’s outings in the United States were a valid reason for selection. “He came from nowhere,” Junaid said, pointing to what he called the selectors’ justification citing “performances in the States”.
Domestic keepers overlooked
Junaid named three domestic wicketkeeper-batters who he said deserved the place ahead of Nafay: Rohail Nazir, Haseebullah and Saad Baig. He described them as “a thousand times better”, arguing that their work in the domestic circuit had earned them the opportunity.
The comments add to the ongoing debate around Pakistan’s squad selection ahead of a busy white-ball calendar, with critics regularly questioning how domestic performances translate into national call-ups.
What Nafay’s selection means
Nafay was named the sole wicketkeeper in Pakistan’s T20I squad for the series against Sri Lanka and the ODI tri-series involving England. His presence as the only specialist keeper in the group puts his glovework and batting under close scrutiny.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has not responded to Junaid’s remarks. The selectors have also not explained the reasoning behind the call-up in public.
For now, Nafay has the shirt, and Junaid’s criticism will only sharpen the focus on how the keeper performs when the series gets under way.
Frequently asked questions
What did Junaid Khan say about Khawaja Nafay’s selection?
He said there was no domestic performance to justify the recall, noted Nafay was not picked for the PSL, and described the move as a player who “came from nowhere” being handed the spot.
Which domestic keepers did Junaid name as better options?
He named Rohail Nazir, Haseebullah and Saad Baig, calling them “a thousand times better” than Nafay.
Which squads has Nafay been picked for?
Nafay was named the sole wicketkeeper in Pakistan’s T20I squad for the Sri Lanka series and the ODI tri-series involving England.
Has the PCB responded to Junaid Khan’s criticism?
There has been no public response from the board or the selectors to his remarks.
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Originally reported by geosuper.tv.
