Pakistan’s Babar Azam plays a shot during the first T20 cricket match between Pakistan and Australia, in Lahore, Pakistan. (PTI Photo)

Amid uncertainty over their participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup, concerns have been raised in Pakistan over a growing pattern of visiting teams from SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) resting key players during tours, after a second-string Australia side lost the first T20I by 22 runs.Australia have rested several top players who are part of their T20 World Cup squad for the ongoing three-match series against Pakistan. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, and Nathan Ellis are not part of the squad, with Cricket Australia citing recovery from injuries and the need for rest ahead of the T20 World Cup starting on February 7.

In the first T20I on Thursday, Australia also handed debuts to three players. Senior members of the touring squad, including captain Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, and first-choice fast bowlers Scott Abbott and Ben Dwarshuis, were not included in the playing XI.The team selection led to criticism in Pakistan, with former players and analysts questioning Australia’s approach to the series.“They come here already without some of their main players and for the first match they don’t play their best players in the touring squad. I see it as an insult to Pakistan cricket fans,” cricket analyst and writer, Omair Alavi said.Former Pakistan captain Moin Khan said the approach was part of a broader trend but added that it was affecting cricket in the country.“In recent times we have seen New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia come with weakened teams to Pakistan. It is as if they are fulfilling their formality to play a series,” he said.Former Test batter and chief selector Haroon Rasheed said Pakistan should make the most of the situation and not be hesitant in selecting their strongest side.“It is a bit perplexing coming to play a three match series so close to the World Cup and not fielding your best players when they have to play in similar conditions in the tournament,” he said.Australia are touring Pakistan for the first time in any format since 2022.