Pakistan announce their squad for T20 World Cup; Shaheen returns
Pakistan have announced their 15-member squad for the impending ICC T20 World Cup slated in Australia. Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi returns from his injury that ruled him out of Asia Cup 2022. The likes of Haider Ali, Shan Masood, and Hasan Ali have also made a comeback. Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris, and Shahnawaz Dahani are in the reserves. Here are further details.
Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad
Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Usman Qadir. Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris, Shahnawaz Dahani.
Shaheen was ruled out of Asia Cup
Shaheen was ruled out of the Asia Cup due to an injury to the right knee ligament. The left-arm pacer has been advised rest for up to 4-6 weeks by the medical team. Shaheen suffered the injury while fielding during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle last month. Besides, he will also miss the upcoming home series against England.
Fakhar Zaman misses out; Shan Masood included
Top-order batter Fakhar Zaman has been left out of the main squad after he suffered a knee injury. He mustered 96 runs from six innings in the Asia Cup. The selectors have included left-handed batter Shan Masood. Masood was in sublime for in Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022 for Multan Sultans. He slammed 478 runs from 12 innings at a strike rate of 138.15.
A look at other talking points
Fast bowler Mohammad Wasim, who missed the Asia Cup due to a side strain, returns to the side. Meanwhile, Pakistan have left out Hasan Ali and Shahnawaz Dahani. The duo played the Asia Cup. Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, and Naseem Shah are integral members of Pakistan's pace attack. Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan will serve the spin-bowling department.
Pakistan's squad for England T20I series
Pakistan also announced the squad for the upcoming seven-match T20I series against England at home. The squad includes all-rounder Aamir Jamal and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed. Squad: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab (vice-captain), Jamal, Abrar, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Junior, Naseem Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood, Usman Qadir.
