Pakistan have made three changes to their initial World Cup squad following a little rearrangement right before the deadline date to submit the final squads. All the teams involved in the Super 12 stages must submit their final list of 18 players (15 main squad and 3 reserves) on or before 10th October.
They have dropped Azam Khan and Mohammed Hasnain, whilst Kushdil Shah has been dropped to the reserves list. Pakistan have roped in Fakhar Zaman into the main squad from the reserves, whilst Sarfaraz Ahmed and Haider Ali will be replacing Azam Khan and Mohammed Hasnain from the main squad.
Sohaib Maqsood, who sustained an injury during the National T20 Cup in Pakistan, is not a certainty to participate in the tournament. The PCB said that a decision on his participation will be made after medical examinations. He had undergone MRI scans for lower back a few days ago, while playing for Southern Punjab.
Chief selector Mohammed Wasim mentioned that it will be difficult for the three dropped cricketers to handle the disappointment, but he expects them to bounce back. However, the selector mentioned that all these cricketers are in plans for the T20 World Cup 2022 to be conducted in Australia.
He also expressed his satisfaction on how well the National T20 Cup panned out and appreciated the intensity shown by the players.
“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 stated.
The ongoing National T20 Cup influenced the changes that were made to the squad. Azam Khan’s poor run did not further help his argument, whilst Haider Ali scored three consecutive half-centuries for Northern Punjab and earned him immediate promotion straight into the main squad.
