Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal criticised the PCB selection committee for sidelining pacer Mohammad Abbas for such an extended period.
Speaking exclusively to a local media outlet, Akmal condemned the decision-making that led to Abbas being excluded from the team for three years.
"Abbas’ performance will be remembered for a lifetime. His bowling has answered his critics emphatically," Akmal said.
"Mohammad Abbas proved wrong those who kept him out of the team. His performance is unforgettable," he added.
Despite Pakistan's narrow two-wicket loss to South Africa, Abbas’ outstanding bowling performance won widespread praise from fans and analysts alike.
The 34-year-old pacer finished with impressive match figures of 7/133, including a game-changing six-wicket haul in South Africa's second innings.
Reflecting on the team’s bowling unit, Akmal remarked, “If other bowlers had supported Abbas, the team could have won the match.”
Previously, former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir also criticized team selection following Abbas’ remarkable performance in the first Test against South Africa.
Amir took to the social media platform X to condemn the coaching staff’s decision to keep Abbas out of international cricket for years.
"Bring those coaches forward who dropped Abbas because of his pace. It took Abbas three years to make a comeback—a slap in their faces," Amir wrote.
Abbas’ heroics in the Test included dismantling South Africa's middle order on the final day.
He dismissed opener Aiden Markram early and removed South Africa’s captain and key batsman, Temba Bavuma, to trigger a collapse.
Abbas then struck twice in successive deliveries, claiming the wickets of David Bedingham (14) and debutant Corbin Bosch (0), leaving South Africa reeling at 99/8.
The right-arm pacer's Test record now stands at 97 wickets in 26 matches at an exceptional average of 22.73.
In first-class cricket, Abbas has amassed a staggering 748 wickets, underscoring his prowess in the longer format.
While South Africa’s victory secured their spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, Pakistan’s defeat further complicated India’s chances of qualification.
The second Test of the series will take place from January 3 to 7 at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, where Pakistan will aim to bounce back.
- Kamran Akmal