Azam Khan is a destructive better to strike boundaries had convinced the selectors to add up him for the mega event squad.
The 23-year old young wicket-keeper and batsman Azam Khan have been selected in the 15 member squad for the upcoming T20 world cup. He made his debut for the national side against England this year. He is currently playing in the Caribbean Premier League.
Chief Selector said that he needed a middle-order batsman, Azam khan had the skillset for power hitting. His ability to power-hitting had convinced the selectors to keep him in the team. He was also selected as a wicketkeeper-batsman in the upcoming busy schedule for Pakistan. As a result, former skipper Sarfraz Ahmad, who was in the squad against West Indies recently, has been dropped.
The member squad also sees the return of Asif Ali and Khusdil Shah to the T20 World Cup with the selectors opting for more firepower. However, Chief Selector admitted that Asif Ali’s performance was not sufficient in the past couple of matches. Muhammad Wasim was confident that Asif would be able to handle the pressure of a mega-event better. Sharjeel khan and Fakhar Zaman haven’t been picked for the T20 World Cup squad but Fakhar Zaman, Shahnawaz Dahani, and Usman Qadir have been selected as the reserve players.
“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 our 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.
PCB also confirmed that the same squad will take on England and New Zealand in the upcoming series before the World Cup. PCB is set on to try the different combinations in batting and bowling lineups against England and New Zealand ahead of the mega event.
T20 World Cup Squad: Babar Azam (C), Shadab Khan (VC), Asif Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, Khushdil Shah, Azam Khan, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Junior, Shaheen Afridi, Sohaib Maqsood.
Traveling Reserves: Usman Qadir, Fakhar Zaman, and Shahnawaz Dahani.