Salman Butt backs Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub and Imam-ul-Haq for 2027 World Cup ODI squad

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has identified three batters he believes should feature in the national ODI squad as Pakistan plans ahead for the 2027 World Cup. The three players Butt has backed are Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub and Imam-ul-Haq, all of whom have demonstrated their ability in recent international cricket.

Butt made his case for the trio based on their century-making potential and their performances in both Test and ODI formats. His recommendation comes as Pakistan prepares for upcoming assignments that will shape squad selection for the World Cup.

“Abdullah Shafique, Said Ayub, Imam-ul-Haq are such batters who possess the ability to score centuries; all three should be included in the national ODI squad keeping the 2027 World Cup in mind,” Butt said as quoted by Batting with Bimal.

Shafique’s recent form and ODI record

Abdullah Shafique has recently featured in Pakistan’s Test series against West Indies, where he accumulated 184 runs across the matches. His performance included a score of 160 not out, demonstrating his ability to build substantial innings. In ODI cricket, Shafique carries an average of 29.48, indicating he is still developing his credentials in the 50-over format. His Test performances suggest he possesses the technical foundation to improve his ODI record.

Ayub’s consistency in 50-over cricket

Saim Ayub has established himself as a more consistent performer in ODI cricket, averaging 46.93 in the format. The young batter has shown the ability to convert starts into significant scores, which aligns with Butt’s assessment of his century-making potential. Ayub’s recent performances suggest he is ready for a sustained role in Pakistan’s middle order. His average places him among the team’s more reliable batsmen in the 50-over format.

Imam-ul-Haq’s experience and average

Imam-ul-Haq also featured in the West Indies Test series, scoring 89 runs across the matches with a highest score of 63 and an average of 22.25 in that assignment. In ODI cricket, Imam averages 47.04, placing him among Pakistan’s more reliable batsmen in the format. His experience and consistency make him a candidate for the squad planning process. The combination of his Test exposure and ODI record strengthens his case for selection.

Pakistan’s next assignment is a three-Test series against England, scheduled from August 19 to September 13. This series provided further opportunity for these players to demonstrate their form and readiness for World Cup selection. The performances in the coming weeks would influence the final squad composition for the 2027 tournament.