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Pakistan cricket fans have been left disappointed with the delay in their team's T20 World Cup squad announcement. As per ICC's deadline, Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2024's squad was supposed to be announced by May 1, was pushed back. Citing player fitness and performance concerns, the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) will now unveil the team later, by May 23 or 24 which is the last possible date for changes.
A leaked Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad, though, has been making the rounds on social media. This leaked list features Babar Azam as captain and Mohammad Rizwan, whose fitness post-injury is yet to be confirmed, as vice-captain. Interestingly, the squad also includes veterans Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir, who recently stepped out of retirement for a shot at the World Cup.
The leaked squad bolsters Pakistan's pace attack with the inclusion of young guns Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf. Veteran Fakhar Zaman provides experience at the top of the order, while all-rounders Shadab Khan and Salman Ali Agha add depth. Notably missing from the leaked list is Iftikhar Ahmed. Promising youngsters Zaman Khan, Azam Khan, and Mehran Mumtaz will be on standby as traveling reserves.
Pakistan will use the upcoming series against Ireland (May 10th, 12, 14) and England (starting May 22, ending May 30) to fine-tune their preparation for the World Cup. These matches will be crucial in finalising the team and assessing player form before the official squad announcement.
The T20 World Cup draw placed Pakistan in Group A with some familiar foes India along with Ireland, and Canada. They'll also face the host nation, USA. Pakistan's group stage journey kicks off against the USA on June 6, followed by the highly anticipated clash with India on June 9. They'll then take on Canada on June 11 before wrapping up the group stage against Ireland on June 16. With 20 teams divided into four groups of five, only the top two from each group will advance to the Super 8 stage.
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