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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have announced changes to their T20 World Cup squad on October 8. Keeping in mind recent performances, PCB have made three changes in the squad. Sarfaraz Ahmed and Haider Ali have been included in the squad in place of Azam Khan and Mohammad Hasnain whereas opener Fakhar Zaman, who was earlier name as a travelling reserve has swapped places with Khushdil Shah.
The announcement from PCB also mentioned that Sohaib Maqsood's inclusion in the squad is subjected to medical advice. Maqsood underwent MRI scans for his lower back after the National T20 clash between Northern Punjab and Central Punjab. Maqsood's fitness issue can be the main reason why Zaman was promoted from travelling reserves to the main squad by the selectors.
“The three in-form players bring with them 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," Chief selector Muhammad Wasim said.
Wasim credited the recently-concluded National T20 Cup for playing an important role in identifying how the players are progressing in the lead up to the T20 World Cup.
“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, 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,” Wasim added.
Pakistan begin their T20 World Cup campaign against arch-rivals on October 24 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan’s 15-player squad:
Babar Azam (captain, Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jr., Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sohaib Maqsood
Traveling reserves: Khushdil Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani and Usman Qadir
