Pakistan announce T20 World Cup Squad
Pakistan announced 15-member squad with 3 travelling reserves for the upcoming edition of T20 World Cup. Babar Azam will lead the team with Shadab Khan as his deputy.
The team boasts of spinners in the form of Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Hafeez who can all contribute with the bat.
Pacers Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohamad Wasim Junior and Shaheen Afridi made the cut while veteran pacer Wahab Riaz missed out.
23-year-old Azam Khan made the squad while Sarfaraz Ahmed, who was a part of the squad in West Indies didn’t make the cut. Mohammad Rizwan is the other wicket keeping option in the squad of 15.
The selectors showed faith in Asif Ali and Kushdil Shaw for the the impact they provide in the middle overs.
Top order batsmen Fakhar Zaman and Sharjeel Khan didn’t make the squad but Zaman made it to the travelling reserves. The other two reserves who will travel UAE with the squad are Shahnawaz Dahani and Usman Qadir.
“Asif Ali and Khushdil Shah may not have impressive numbers against their names but hardly anyone can doubt their tremendous talent and prowess,” Chief Selector Muhammad Wasim said after announcing the squad. “They are the best in the available pool of middle-order batsmen and we remain confident that they will provide us solutions to our middle-order difficulties through solid performances.
“Azam Khan is an aggressive and attacking batter who also keeps wickets, a combination that has earned him the selectors’ nod ahead of Sarfaraz Ahmed. Mohammad Wasim Junior has been preferred over Faheem Ashraf due to his pace and ability to hit big shots.
“Fakhar Zaman, Shahnawaz Dahani and Usman Qadir were unlucky to miss out on the selections. Sohaib Maqsood’s ability to bat and perform anywhere in the top-order has given him an edge over Fakhar, while the presence of three experienced spinners, who are also capable batters, and five genuine wicket-taking fast bowlers made it difficult for Usman Qadir to get into the side,” he added.
Pakistan Squad – T20 World Cup
Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Mohammad Hafeez, Asif Ali, Azam Khan, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Shaheen Afridi, Sohaib Maqsood
Travelling reserves: Usman Qadir, Fakhar Zaman, Shahnawaz Dahani
Pakistan are placed under Group 2 – which has India, New Zealand, Afghanistan and 2 qualifying countries.
The main stage of the tournament will begin on October 23 when Australia will face South Africa at Sheikh Zayed Stadium at Abu Dhabi.
Pakistan will begin their World Cup campaign on 24th October 2021, when they face Team India at Dubai International Cricket Stadium at Dubai.
The qualifying stage of T20 World Cup will kick off on October 17 when Oman will face Papua New Guinea at Al Amerat Cricket Ground at Oman.
