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Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has defended all-rounder Saim Ayub\u2019s place in the national team, highlighting his bowling abilities and importance to the side\u2019s combination ahead of the ODI tri-series against England and Sri Lanka.<\/strong><\/p>\n Speaking at the captains\u2019 press conference on Saturday, Shaheen responded to criticism surrounding Saim\u2019s selection, with a journalist questioning whether the left-handed batter was being accommodated in the team despite his recent struggles.<\/p>\n The Pakistan captain dismissed the suggestion, insisting that Saim Ayub remains an important part of the ODI setup because of his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know what the media is saying about Saim Ayub, but perhaps people are looking at his recent struggles in T20Is or his performance in the last Test against England,\u201d Shaheen said.<\/p>\n \u201c[During the England tour] he had come straight from playing T20 cricket in the CPL, and switching directly to Test cricket is not easy.\u201d<\/p>\n Shaheen Afridi particularly emphasised the value of Saim\u2019s spin bowling, explaining that his presence provides greater flexibility in Pakistan\u2019s bowling combinations.<\/p>\n \u201cSaim is very important for our ODI team. We need his bowling because it provides a cushion for our fast bowlers,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n \u201cIf we play three or four pacers, having someone like Saim who can bowl spin as an all-rounder is very helpful for the team\u2019s balance.\u201d<\/p>\n The left-arm pacer also expressed confidence that consistent opportunities in the 50-over format would help Saim rediscover his form.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe the more opportunities we give him in ODIs, the more he will perform for Pakistan,\u201d Shaheen added.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the Pakistan captain reiterated that the team\u2019s preparations are focused on securing victories rather than analysing how their opponents approach matches.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are not looking at how other teams are playing. Our target and planning are simply to win matches,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n Shaheen also addressed questions about the atmosphere within the national side, insisting that the players remain united in their ambition to achieve success at the international level.<\/p>\n \u201cOur team\u2019s unity is strong, and all of us are focused on how we can win the World Cup,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n The Pakistan captain urged the media to highlight the team\u2019s collective efforts and positive environment rather than focusing solely on criticism.<\/p>\n \u201cSome positive messages should also come through you [journalists], so that the public knows this team is united and is trying to play good cricket,\u201d he remarked.<\/p>\n \u201cI think all our players are making an effort to perform well and bring happiness to our country.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n