Sarfaraz Ahmed and Haider Ali have replaced Azam Khan and Mohammad Hasnain respectively, while Fakhar Zaman, who was originally named as a travel reserve, has switched his position with Khushdil Shah.
National Selectors on Friday has made a couple of changes in the Pakistan squad for ICC men’s T20 World Cup in UAE, starting from October 17 to November 14.
Pakistan is added in group 2 and will start the event opener against their biggest rivals India on October 24 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The squad that was announced on September 4 has seen three changes after considering the player’s performances and form.
Wicket keeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed and top-order batter Haider Ali have replaced middle-order batter Azam Khan and pacer Mohammad Hasnain respectively.
Meanwhile, opener Fakhar Zaman, who was originally named as a travel reserve, has switched his position with the middle-order batter Khushdil Shah.
The decision on the participation of Sohaib Maqsood will be finalized after considering the medical advice.
The top-order batter has seen a back injury for which he underwent through MRI scans for the lower back after the October 6 National T20 match against Northern.
Following his injury, he also missed Thursday’s Punjab derby against Central Punjab.
PCB’s statement after the changes
Courtesy Cricket World
“After reviewing player performances in the highly competitive National T20 and consultation with the team management, we have decided to include Haider Ali, Fakhar Zaman, and Sarfaraz Ahmed in the squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021.
“The three in-form players bring with them a wealth of experience and talent and provide further stability, balance, and strength to the side.
“It must be tough for Azam, Khushdil, and Hasnain for missing out but they still have a lot to offer in their careers. They are in our future plans as a lot of cricket has to be played post the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 and in the lead up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia.
“I am pleased with the intensity and high quality of cricket that we have witnessed in the National T20. It has not only provided the players excellent match practice in the lead-up to the UAE competition, but it has also given us the opportunity to closely monitor the player progress and then make decisions that are in the best interest of the side for what will be a cut-throat tournament.”
Pakistan’s 15-player squad for T20 World Cup
Courtesy Al Jazeera
Babar Azam (C), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper-batter), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper-batter), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sohaib Maqsood.
Traveling reserves – Khushdil Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani, and Usman Qadir.
Schedule of Pakistan’s matches in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 (1900 Pakistan time):
24 Oct – Pakistan v India, ICC T20 WC (Group 2), Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
26 Oct – Pakistan v New Zealand, ICC T20 WC (Group 2), Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
29 Oct – Pakistan v Afghanistan, ICC T20 WC (Group 2), Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
2 Nov – Pakistan v A2, ICC T20 WC (Group 2), Sheikh Zayed International Cricket Stadium, Abdu Dhabi
7 Nov –Pakistan v B1, ICC T20 WC (Group 2), Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah ICC T20 World Cup 2021 semi-final schedule:
10 Nov – 1st semi-final, Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
11 Nov – 2nd semi-final, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
14 Nov – Final, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
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