During the intense competition for spots in the Pakistan national cricket team in 2010, Asad Shafiq, Umar Amin, and Azhar Ali emerged as unlikely debutants. The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to introduce these players took place after a banning spree and set the stage for a remarkable journey for Shafiq.
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The Unlikely Debutants
Asad Shafiq secured his debut during the Asia Cup 2010, earning his lone chance against Bangladesh. But the focus was more on Umar Amin who was touted as the next-best batsman for Pakistan, and was being given matches left and right across all formats.
Despite early promise, Shafiq was initially overlooked for Test cricket, and omitted from the squads for series against Australia and England in the UK. He found himself on the reserve list even for the ODIs against England. Shafiq continued honing his skills in Pakistan A, notably scoring a century against Sri Lanka A. The unfolding spot-fixing episode, requiring replacements, catapulted Shafiq to England within 48 hours for the ODI series.
Test Cricket Triumphs
Although Shafiq faced challenges in ODI cricket, he solidified his position as a dependable Test batsman, often playing at no.6. His Test debut finally arrived during the series in UAE against South Africa where Shafiq scored 61 on debut.
His century in South Africa with tough conditions in Cape Town, coming in to bat at 33 for 4, established him as Pakistan’s ideal no.6. His consistent performances in England and New Zealand underscored his Test prowess.
The Australian Tour 2016-2017
As Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan approached retirement, Shafiq seized the opportunity during the Australian tour. His standout innings in Brisbane, scoring 137 in a chase of 490, earned him praise, as the little master walked out with Pakistan being 165-4 and batted his way through. Pakistan would end up losing that game by 39 runs, but that innings was enough to let everyone know that Shafiq could bat on Australia’s wickets. That century took him past Garry Sobers’ record for the most centuries scored from No. 6.
Failing to evolve
Following the retirement of Misbah and Younis, Shafiq faced challenges in maintaining the same level of performance. Despite possessing the technique for the middle order and opening, he predominantly played at no.6. Fans began perceiving him as someone who lacked the mental capacity to play at the top order.
He and Azhar Ali were expected to take over the spots of Misbah and Younis but that never came through as both the players lacked consistency. While Shafiq would be the first one to be dropped, Azhar was the first one to hang his boots as he saw the writing on the wall.
Serving with Dignity
Asad Shafiq was a core part of Misbah’s Test team, a team that had a middle order made up of Misbah, Younis, Azhar, and Asad not only served Pakistan with dignity and respect but was also able to achieve the no.1 ranking in Test. This group of cricketers came in and served the nation when the actions of the spot fixing trio tainted its dignity.
Asad Shafiq’s cricketing journey is a tale of unexpected breakthroughs and few Test cricket triumphs. While he may be considered to have underachieved given his talent, Shafiq’s career deserves celebration. In 2010, amidst fierce competition, he secured a golden ticket to international cricket, ultimately becoming a stalwart in Pakistan’s Test line-up.
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