AB de Villiers Surprises Fans by Picking Mohammad Asif in His All-Time World XI
AB de Villiers includes Pakistan's Mohammad Asif in his all-time World XI, praising his exceptional swing bowling skills.
In a recent revelation that has surprised many cricket fans, former South African captain AB de Villiers included Pakistan’s Mohammad Asif in his all-time World XI. This selection came during the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, where de Villiers is leading the South Africa Champions team.
De Villiers, known for his impressive cricketing insight, praised Asif’s remarkable ability to swing the ball both ways with precision and control. He stated that Asif’s swing bowling made him stand out among other legendary fast bowlers, choosing him to share the new ball with Mitchell Johnson of Australia. The choice sparked discussions, as Asif’s career was marred by controversies, but his skill as a bowler remained undeniable.
De Villiers’ all-time World XI lineup also includes cricketing greats from around the world. The squad is as follows:
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Openers: Graeme Smith, Matthew Hayden
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Middle Order: Ricky Ponting, Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson
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Wicketkeeper: MS Dhoni
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Bowlers: Mitchell Johnson, Mohammad Asif, Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne
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12th Man: Glenn McGrath
Interestingly, the lineup did not feature other cricketing icons such as Sachin Tendulkar, Jack Kallis, or Brian Lara, which has sparked debates among fans and pundits. While some fans have questioned these omissions, others have applauded de Villiers’ unique picks, especially his inclusion of Mohammad Asif, which highlights Asif’s exceptional talent and legacy as one of the most gifted fast bowlers in cricket history.
This acknowledgment from de Villiers not only serves as a tribute to Asif’s skill but also brings attention to his immense contribution to Pakistan’s cricket, further cementing his place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
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