Chief selector T20 World Cup Mohammad Wasim announced the national squad for next month’s T20 World Cup as well as the home series against New Zealand and England. The 15-member squad and 3 stand-by players for World T20.
ANNOUNCED โ Our squad for the #T20WorldCup, #PAKvNZ and #PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/oVRIwzzmMZ
โ Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 6, 2021
The Selected Squad
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๐ต๐ฐ Pakistan have named their squad for the ICC Men’s @T20WorldCup 2021.
Details ๐ https://t.co/s3VPjFKbUc pic.twitter.com/hTCtmNaJ0F
โ ICC (@ICC) September 6, 2021
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Babar Azam will skipper the squad along with Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Azam Khan, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Khushdil Shal, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Shaheen Afridi and Sohaib Maqsood.
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Reserve players
Shanawaz Dahani, Usman Qadir and Fakhar Zaman
The Groups
Pakistan is in Group 2 alongside arch-rivals India, New Zealand, Afghanistan and two qualifier teams to be decided after the first round.
Group 1 comprises defending champions the West Indies, Australia, England, South Africa and two qualifiers.
The Left outs
This came as a big shock for fans when Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz, veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik, hard-hitting opener Sharjeel Khan and utility player Fahim Ashraf were the notable absentees. Mohammad Amir had retired and was not in contention. Sohaib Maqsood has also been retained, while Mohammad Wasim Jr was the other surprise inclusion as his namesake announced the squad.
Chief selector Muhammad Wasimโs explanation to leave out Sarfaraz
“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. Wasim will bolster the fast-bowling unit, which comprises Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Hasnain and Shaheen Shah Afridi.”
He further added: “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.”
Pakistan will open their campaign with a high-voltage match against India in Dubai on October 24.
