Five Afghan greats who could not play their country's first test match

#4 Karim Sadiq

ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier - Afghanistan v Nepal

Afghanistan's own Tilakratne Dilshan, Karim Sadiq was of similar utility to his side as Dilshan. Be it enterprising batting to get his team off flyers, stand a stoic guard behind the stumps or unraveling handy off-spin to get the wickets when not much happened off the pitch, Sadiq did it all day in and day out for years. Having done the hard yards of associate cricket, Sadiq was unlucky to miss out on a World Cup spot, but still remained an integral part of the limited overs set-up.

With already two wicket-keepers and spin bowling all-rounders in the squad, Karim Sadiq was overlooked for the greatest to date assignment undertaken by the Afghans. He averages 37.73 with three centuries and has 34 wickets with a six-for in 24 first-class matches. He might not have made a difference in the inevitable outcome of the test, but his inclusion would have a been a good acknowledgment of his contribution to Afghan cricket.