Pakistan announce 15-member squad for the New Zealand and England series, and the T20 World Cup

[MenInG]

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has called back four players, who were named in Pakistan’s T20I squad against New Zealand, from Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

According to the details, Mohammad Hafeez, Azam Khan, Imad Wasim, and Asif Ali have been asked to come back to Pakistan by September 12. NOC was given to the players for the whole league.

With this decision, players’ contracts are in danger with CPL franchises which can cost them financially. Moreover, the franchises are concerned to replace these players amid COVID-19 protocols.

There is a possibility to transfer these players from the bio-secure bubble in West Indies to the one here in Lahore before September 20. CPL’s final is scheduled for September 15.

The camp for T20I players will start on September 18 here at Gaddafi Stadium. Players will assemble here on September 16.

New Zealand is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on September 11. Both teams will play three ODIs from September 17 to 21 in Rawalpindi whereas five T20Is will be played from 5 to October 3 at Gaddafi Stadium.

ARY

[shamaan]

Can all the people who are critcising this squad please list the squad they would have liked to see? It seems to me that people here think we have bradmans, wasims and marshals waiting on the sidelines to replace these players

Fakhar/sharjeel anyone of these 2
Rizwan
Babar
Hafeez
Malik
Maqsood/haider ali
Wasim
Shadab
Wasim Jnr
Hassan Ali
Shaheen

Wahab
Qadir
Sharjeel/fakhar
Rauf
Azam Khan

You need experience in major events and malik is a must in the squad he can field bowl abit and play spin the best in the team.wahab is expensive but he's twice the fielder Rauf is and 3 times the fielder Rauf is.

[Last Monetarist]

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has called back four players, who were named in Pakistan’s T20I squad against New Zealand, from Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

According to the details, Mohammad Hafeez, Azam Khan, Imad Wasim, and Asif Ali have been asked to come back to Pakistan by September 12. NOC was given to the players for the whole league.

With this decision, players’ contracts are in danger with CPL franchises which can cost them financially. Moreover, the franchises are concerned to replace these players amid COVID-19 protocols.

There is a possibility to transfer these players from the bio-secure bubble in West Indies to the one here in Lahore before September 20. CPL’s final is scheduled for September 15.

The camp for T20I players will start on September 18 here at Gaddafi Stadium. Players will assemble here on September 16.

New Zealand is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on September 11. Both teams will play three ODIs from September 17 to 21 in Rawalpindi whereas five T20Is will be played from 5 to October 3 at Gaddafi Stadium.

ARY

It's a bit unprofessional to revoke NOCs after giving the players leeway to be available for the duration of the CPL. The players desperately need a union to represent them and protect their interests against a haphazard and chaotic board such as the PCB.

[shamaan]

Predicted xi

Babar
Rizwan
Maqsood
Hafeez
Khushdil
Asif ali
Imad
Shadab
Wasim
Hassan Ali
Shaheen

[shamaan]

The missing xi

Fakhar
Sharjeel
Haider ali
Malik
Sarfraz
Iftikhar
Fahim ashraf
Wahab
Qadir
Dahani
Tanvir

This team will challenge the team selected by wasim.

[MenInG]

Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Executive Wasim Khan has issued the following statement:

“It has come to our notice that factually incorrect reports are circulating about the Pakistan national squad environment. The squad for the upcoming international assignments has been announced and our captain Babar Azam is fully behind the direction that is being taken.

“On Tuesday afternoon, some of the players had a healthy and positive meeting with former Pakistan captain and member of the PCB Board of Governors, Mr Ramiz Raja, in which there was a consensus on the brand of cricket that needs to be played in the upcoming series and beyond.

“It is important that collectively we get firmly behind the squad so that they have the stability, backing and focus they need prior to going into the ICC T20 World Cup next month.”

[Maliq_Mudasir]

To be honest squad is pretty fine barring 1 or 2 players.

Ideally we should have Fakhar Zaman and Malik in place of Asif Ali and Azam Khan.

I know Malik has been the failure in big events right from his debut to international cricket. But considering the WT20 venues, nature of pitch and type of opposition in league matches (Ind, Afg and BDesh) I think he will be very handy in handling the spin well.

With respect to Fakhar, no team would drop such a fearless player who always plays for the team without bothering about his place like others. I think he has paid price for that.

[Gullycricket]

Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Executive Wasim Khan has issued the following statement:

“It has come to our notice that factually incorrect reports are circulating about the Pakistan national squad environment. The squad for the upcoming international assignments has been announced and our captain Babar Azam is fully behind the direction that is being taken.

“On Tuesday afternoon, some of the players had a healthy and positive meeting with former Pakistan captain and member of the PCB Board of Governors, Mr Ramiz Raja, in which there was a consensus on the brand of cricket that needs to be played in the upcoming series and beyond.

“It is important that collectively we get firmly behind the squad so that they have the stability, backing and focus they need prior to going into the ICC T20 World Cup next month.”

That settles things.Its not Bobby who was unhappy that much. It was the inept duo of MisWaq

[MenInG]

We have been informed that the news about the Babar Azam captaincy for Tests is untrue and no such discussion has taken place.

We have some strange journalists mistaking their own wishes for facts.

[MenInG]

Mansoor Rana appointed team manager,
Saqlain Mushtaq Head Coach
Shahid Aslam assistant to Head Coach
Abdul Razzaq appointed assistant Coach,
Abdul Majeed fielding coach
Cliff Deacon physiotherapist appointed
Drix Simon Strength & Conditioning Coach,
Talha Ijaz Appointed Team Analyst

In place of Abdul Razzaq, Akram Raza will head the coaching staff of Central Punjab

[Shafi]

So this Majed still in the team. Pathetic fielding coach.

[arunpsm]

As many posters have mentioned, FakharZ not being there is unbelievable, inexplicable!

[Shoaibbtt]

To be honest squad is pretty fine barring 1 or 2 players.

Ideally we should have Fakhar Zaman and Malik in place of Asif Ali and Azam Khan.

I know Malik has been the failure in big events right from his debut to international cricket. But considering the WT20 venues, nature of pitch and type of opposition in league matches (Ind, Afg and BDesh) I think he will be very handy in handling the spin well.

With respect to Fakhar, no team would drop such a fearless player who always plays for the team without bothering about his place like others. I think he has paid price for that.

Fakhar has a poor performance in UAE but yes I’d pick him just don’t think he’ll fancy pace.

My 2 desired picks for anchor role are Shan and Iftikhar other than that the bowling is perfect.

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Heard Wasim Akram on ARY with Masoomana Sawal Badami.. Wasim Akram is very happy with current selections especially that of Azam Khan. He says he is a power hitter and can hit big sixes.
Overall Wasim said he is very satisfied with selections.. barring one or two players as well as changes in the PCB.

[Maliq_Mudasir]

Fakhar has a poor performance in UAE but yes I’d pick him just don’t think he’ll fancy pace.

My 2 desired picks for anchor role are Shan and Iftikhar other than that the bowling is perfect.

Ifti is as mediocre as Asif Ali. He will fail 9/10 times against good opposition.

Yes, after seeing Shan playing some good knocks in PSL they could have tried him for anchor role. But the question would Babar/Rizwan would
have sacrificed their opening place for Shan? Big No.

[Kaddy]

So Fakhar Zaman is not good enough but Asif Ali is ? in what universe??

Then Sohaib Maqsood who hasn't made single big score since return, Kushdil has yet to impress on international level.

But the big question is Now that Misbah/Waqar are gone will Mohd Amir get a recall?? or is Ramiz going to enforce his No-Tainted players rule. Sharjeel Has already been dropped (rumors are because he is tainted) .

Ramiz always had a strict stance against fixers and especially what happened with Sharjeel Khan, I seriously doubt that Amir is making any come back any time soon.

[GreenKhan]

Fakhar/sharjeel anyone of these 2
Rizwan
Babar
Hafeez
Malik
Maqsood/haider ali
Wasim
Shadab
Wasim Jnr
Hassan Ali
Shaheen

Wahab
Qadir
Sharjeel/fakhar
Rauf
Azam Khan

You need experience in major events and malik is a must in the squad he can field bowl abit and play spin the best in the team.wahab is expensive but he's twice the fielder Rauf is and 3 times the fielder Rauf is.

Malik is definitely not a must. He failed miserably in CT17, and did even worse in 2019. How is that experience ? He also flopped miserably in the 2014 and 2016 T20 world cups.

We carry Hafeez and malik in the name of experience and they do hardly anything. They are deadwood when it comes to ICC tournaments, proven failures over the span of about 15 world cups between them.

Wahab does have a good record in ICC tournaments.

[Shoaibbtt]

Ifti is as mediocre as Asif Ali. He will fail 9/10 times against good opposition.

Yes, after seeing Shan playing some good knocks in PSL they could have tried him for anchor role. But the question would Babar/Rizwan would
have sacrificed their opening place for Shan? Big No.

I’d like to state a big disclaimer that I’m not a big fan of Iftikhar but fact is he’s got a good average and decent enough against spin. ODI performances aside he’s not had much chances in t20 I feel and he also offers something with the ball.

Shan can play at 3 as well so that shouldn’t be a problem, however saying that Babar came one down to accommodate Sharjeel so you can’t do the same thing for Shan?

The fact is bro and let’s be honest here that the pool of middle order batsmen previously selected was on merit and they came with some good domestic performances. It is the fault of these players that they’ve not snatched their chances with performances now is the time we can’t do too much experimentation and hope that some of the players selected in the odis can put on a show and book their ticket for the WC.

[Shoaibbtt]

My final desired XI:

1. Babar Azam (c)
2. Muhammad Rizwan (wk)
3. Shan Masood
4. Muhammad Hafeez
5. Shoaib Moqsood
6. Khushdil Shah/Iftikhar Ahmed/Azam Khan (dependent on improvement/performance)
7. Shadab Khan
8. Hassan Ali
9. Muhammad Nawaz
10. Shaheen Shah Afridi
11. Shanawaz Dahani

[Ab Fan]

It is Pakistan's TM inability that they have not given Fakhar a continuous run as opener. By now, he should have been a permanent opener.

Rizwan is more known for his game awareness and is a smart player and a good tactician, should fit in at 3.

[ezhil]

Fakhar out????😂😂😂

[shamaan]

Malik is definitely not a must. He failed miserably in CT17, and did even worse in 2019. How is that experience ? He also flopped miserably in the 2014 and 2016 T20 world cups.

We carry Hafeez and malik in the name of experience and they do hardly anything. They are deadwood when it comes to ICC tournaments, proven failures over the span of about 15 world cups between them.

Wahab does have a good record in ICC tournaments.

They both were 50 over formats and in different conditions.malik is the best player of spin in the Pakistan line up and is better fielder bowler and batter than asif ali.

[srh]

Babar Azam should resign from captaincy over T20 World Cup Team selection. Rashid Khan of Afghanistan just did it. Lets see if Babar Azam is brave enough

[MenInG]

The recent resignations of Misbah-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis from their respective coaching roles has once again ignited controversy surrounding the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The duo had insisted that they weren't consulted during the selection of the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Later, the side's captain Babar Azam was also reported to be unhappy with the squad -- however, the PCB has since denied any such concerns.

In an exclusive conversation with Varsha Singh for indiatv.in, former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria talked about the issues surrounding Pakistan cricket, their squad and the much-awaited clash against India on October 24.

Excerpts:

Misbah-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis resigned right before the T20 World Cup. Will this impact the side's performances in the tournament?

Undoubtedly. Misbah and Waqar were appointed on a four-year contract and their departure right before the T20 World Cup isn't good for the side. I think it was a wrong decision. If they had some problems, they could have discussed them with the PCB officials and waited till the end of the tournament. It is irresponsible and cowardly.

Babar Azam has said that Indian team will be in pressure on October 24 (when India play Pakistan in T20 WC). How do you see this statement?

It could be a mental strategy, I don't think it is overconfidence.

Babar Azam was reportedly not happy with the Pakistan squad for the T20 WC. However, the PCB later clarified that there are no such problems. Do you think there are some differences between Babar and PCB?

I think there might be some problems because Babar wanted Sharjeel Khan or Fakhar Zaman in the side. He also wanted Sarfaraz Ahmed in the place of Azam Khan. Shadab Khan is also struggling with form. The middle-order isn't very good and Shoaib Malik is also not in the squad. They also selected Asif Ali and dropped Haidar Ali, so there were a lot of decisions which might have caused problems for Babar.

Is this the ideal Pakistan squad for the T20 World Cup?

This isn't an ideal squad, it is the worst squad. The PCB selection committee picked Azam Khan, which for me, doesn't make much sense. Sarfaraz Ahmed should've been in the squad, Shoaib Malik should've been in place of either Asif Ali or Khushdil Shah. Fakhar Zaman should have also been in the 15-member squad.

I would also select one of Usman Qadir and Zahid Mahmood. The latter is performed impressively of late and he is young. I would've also kept a combination of a left and a right-arm spinner, instead of selecting two lefties.

Now that the PCB management has changed, do you think Mohammad Amir should be called back in international setup?

I don't think so, the doors for him are closed. There are many talented pacers in the side. Shaheen Shah Afridi is in the team, so I don't think Amir has a chance.

Which team looks stronger ahead of the October 24 clash between India and Pakistan?

India will have an edge because they would be coming straight after the IPL, so they would know the conditions better. Pakistan's major problems are in their middle-order - only Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are reliable in their entire batting lineup. Even in bowlers, apart of Shaheen and Hasan Ali, the performances haven't been that good. India have power hitters, they have a very impressive team.

[RedwoodOriginal]

2021 World Cup Squads Average Age:

Pakistan 27.5
Afghanistan 27.6
South Africa 29.3
India 29.4
New Zealand 30.1
Australia 30.9
West Indies 31.3
England 31.4


Hope the age brigade is happy now. Their ultimate dream has come true.

[rockyboy2018]

I am still hopeful that Fakhar, Sharjeel, and Muhammad Amir will be part of twenty20 world cup squad.

[offstump]

The entire middle order has been a flop so far in the National T20. We’re seeing so many players that were discarded by the PCB actually demonstrating their talent and resolve while the new lot are utter garbage. Big concerns for Pakistan at this point, will they back the selected squad or make some big changes after this tournament?

[Rana]

Squad needs drastic changes

[Rana]

2021 World Cup Squads Average Age:

Pakistan 27.5
Afghanistan 27.6
South Africa 29.3
India 29.4
New Zealand 30.1
Australia 30.9
West Indies 31.3
England 31.4


Hope the age brigade is happy now. Their ultimate dream has come true.

Lol Afghanistan are probably 35.5 in true average age

[Prince of Pakistan]

Need to get rid of tullaybaaz and get some proper batsmen in.

In a tournament I would rather have experienced performers than hopeless sloggers who might one day make it.

Even a grandpa Malik or the very experienced Wahab Riaz is a better batsman than Azam, Masqood or Asif Ali.

What was Rameez thinking? It's a 20 overs game not a 5 overs tullaybazi contest. If your system isn't producing good cricketers then work on it but don't select hopeless cases for such a major tournament.

Common sense needs to prevail and we need to get our best players in even if it's a 35 year old Wahab. After the tournament you can yet again start with another rebuilding process, but not just before a major tournament where you'll be competing against the BIG three sides.

[shujaatraza]

Our middle order is playing for Southern Punjab and all of them are flopping very badly.

[offstump]

Hussain Talat looked good today, a solid t20 innings.. Anwar Ali has looked good too

[UzmanBeast]

Need to get rid of tullaybaaz and get some proper batsmen in.

In a tournament I would rather have experienced performers than hopeless sloggers who might one day make it.

Even a grandpa Malik or the very experienced Wahab Riaz is a better batsman than Azam, Masqood or Asif Ali.

What was Rameez thinking? It's a 20 overs game not a 5 overs tullaybazi contest. If your system isn't producing good cricketers then work on it but don't select hopeless cases for such a major tournament.

Common sense needs to prevail and we need to get our best players in even if it's a 35 year old Wahab. After the tournament you can yet again start with another rebuilding process, but not just before a major tournament where you'll be competing against the BIG three sides.

Thank you for saying this.

Numerous posters make the argument to include all of these hacks because they "might" give you a 50 from 20 balls once in a blue moon.

Our system isn't modernized yet, it will take a few years for guys like Khushdil and Azam Khan to develop and for one of them, to lose weight to meet the standards of international cricket.

Our system is capable of producing guys who are specialized for specific roles, and can bat at SR near 130-ish.

Pick those who are performing so that you have the capability of scoring the runs you need.

Nobody cares if you don't have one of these over-rated mediocre sloggers on your team; anyone can take the bat and whack a few.

[sam_ahm]

Pakistan cannot be serious about going in with Maqsood, Asif, Azam Khan and Khushdil, at least two of these need to make way for more experienced players.

Azam Khan and Khushdil most likely should go and get Fakhar and Sarfaraz in. Also Dahani is a better choice over M Wasim.

[Titan24]

Pakistan cannot be serious about going in with Maqsood, Asif, Azam Khan and Khushdil, at least two of these need to make way for more experienced players.

Azam Khan and Khushdil most likely should go and get Fakhar and Sarfaraz in. Also Dahani is a better choice over M Wasim.

Wasim is in the team as bowling all rounder to give that extra batting depth if combination requires such. He can bowl in 140s and can hit some decent blows lower down the order.

Sarfaraz can’t go at a good rate at no 5 or below which is the requirement at that number.

[Savak]

Apparently the selectors are going to drop Asif Ali, Khusdil, Azam Khan and perhaps Nawaz in exchange for Shoaib Malik, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Usman Qadir. Fakhar Zaman is also going to get in. The selectors have succumbed to media and social media pressure. Even IK was not happy with the squad selected and demanded changes

[Titan24]

Apparently the selectors are going to drop Asif Ali, Khusdil, Azam Khan and perhaps Nawaz in exchange for Shoaib Malik, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Usman Qadir. Fakhar Zaman is also going to get in. The selectors have succumbed to media and social media pressure. Even IK was not happy with the squad selected and demanded changes

Cant imagine what Malik and Sarfaraz can contribute when they come in for last 5-6 overs at 3-4 down. As 15 ball 20 or around that would be pointless I think at those numbers. Mohammad Akhlaq has done better than Sarfaraz in 10 T20 matches based upon run scoring and SR. One can accept maybe one of them in the squad not both.

Also that would be too many right handed batsmen.
Whats the point of a backup keeper in the squad anyways? One can have it in reserves as he is inly gonna play when Rizwan is unfit or something.

Still some time in the tournament to go. However rather than Sarfaraz in the squad, if anything I would have him in reserves and maybe put Hussain Talat, Iftikhar or some other proper middle order batsmen (Obviously out of the available options) in the main squad.

[Savak]

Cant imagine what Malik and Sarfaraz can contribute when they come in for last 5-6 overs at 3-4 down. As 15 ball 20 or around that would be pointless I think at those numbers. Mohammad Akhlaq has done better than Sarfaraz in 10 T20 matches based upon run scoring and SR. One can accept maybe one of them in the squad not both.

Also that would be too many right handed batsmen.
Whats the point of a backup keeper in the squad anyways? One can have it in reserves as he is inly gonna play when Rizwan is unfit or something.

Still some time in the tournament to go. However rather than Sarfaraz in the squad, if anything I would have him in reserves and maybe put Hussain Talat, Iftikhar or some other proper middle order batsmen (Obviously out of the available options) in the main squad.

Resisting public, media and social media pressure is very hard in Pakistan. The selectors have a thankless job, every one has an opinion on which players to include and exclude. Some of the media reporters are just to loyal to certain players, no one thinks about the interest of the team and the long term future.

Was listening to a very experienced sports reporter who wanted Sarfaraz, Malik to be included because of their big match, tournament experience and that the selectors should not gamble fantasize with domestic performers who had always failed at the international stage.

[sam_ahm]

Wasim is in the team as bowling all rounder to give that extra batting depth if combination requires such. He can bowl in 140s and can hit some decent blows lower down the order.

Sarfaraz can’t go at a good rate at no 5 or below which is the requirement at that number.

Going by the already sluggish wickets seen in the IPL, which will probably get worse by the time World Cup starts, I don't think sloggers like Khushdil or Azam Khan or Asif Ali will make much of an impact, unless they are not sloggers but genuinely good batsman.

Sarfaraz, Fakhar, or someone like Haris Sohail who is experienced, is a proper batsman, and can play at a SR of 110-115 will be more useful. That's what I think.

[pratiktc]

This is wrong to make changes based on recent domestic performance.

Whatever the squad picked it has been picked and now selectors and board should encourage them instead of playing last minute musical chairs.

Yes it is good if you are doing well in lead-up matches to WC but it doesnt mean in form players will definitely perform or out of form players will definitely fail in WC.

Every player who was picked ahead of similiar role players was picked with a logic in mind. Just few poor innings doesn't and shouldn't change that logic.

[Savak]

Going by the already sluggish wickets seen in the IPL, which will probably get worse by the time World Cup starts, I don't think sloggers like Khushdil or Azam Khan or Asif Ali will make much of an impact, unless they are not sloggers but genuinely good batsman.

Sarfaraz, Fakhar, or someone like Haris Sohail who is experienced, is a proper batsman, and can play at a SR of 110-115 will be more useful. That's what I think.

There is no way the ICC will want slow sluggish wickets for the T20 WC, they will work hard to ensure excellent wickets for such a premier tournament

[Savak]

This is wrong to make changes based on recent domestic performance.

Whatever the squad picked it has been picked and now selectors and board should encourage them instead of playing last minute musical chairs.

Yes it is good if you are doing well in lead-up matches to WC but it doesnt mean in form players will definitely perform or out of form players will definitely fail in WC.

Every player who was picked ahead of similiar role players was picked with a logic in mind. Just few poor innings doesn't and shouldn't change that logic.

Its the phattu nature of the PCB ie they cant resist public, social media and pressure by ex players and reporters who are close loyal to certain players. Mohd Wasim should be sent packing, he is useless and cannot resist pressure

[shamaan]

Squad needs drastic changes

What would you change ?

[shamaan]

Pakistan cannot be serious about going in with Maqsood, Asif, Azam Khan and Khushdil, at least two of these need to make way for more experienced players.

Azam Khan and Khushdil most likely should go and get Fakhar and Sarfaraz in. Also Dahani is a better choice over M Wasim.

What has sarfraz done ?
We already have enough pacers no need for Dahani unless he is replaced with a bowler and not a all rounder.

[shamaan]

Asif Ali and Azam khan should be dropped for Malik and akhlaq.
Wahab should be replaced by Husnain.

[Rana]

What would you change ?

Going to watch a little bit more of this T20 cup and see if some of the boys I fancy to play can handle crunch situations. Then I will make my views known. You never know, this Khushdil Shah bloke might hit a 40 ball hundred the next game he plays and we are back to square 1

[shamaan]

Going to watch a little bit more of this T20 cup and see if some of the boys I fancy to play can handle crunch situations. Then I will make my views known. You never know, this Khushdil Shah bloke might hit a 40 ball hundred the next game he plays and we are back to square 1

I thought akhlaq has played well and he can be the second keeper.

[Rana]

I thought akhlaq has played well and he can be the second keeper.

I kind of agree

Need to see more of him but I would say he is the better option out of him and Sarfaraz for the 2nd keeper spot in terms of creating an impact

[Rana]

For any changes to work, Babar and Rizwan need to relinquish the opening spots and move into the middle order with Hafeez

[gazza619]

For any changes to work, Babar and Rizwan need to relinquish the opening spots and move into the middle order with Hafeez

Babar & Rizwan combo is the only good thing about our T20 XI and I dont think we should change it.

I say Babar & Rizwan should open and Hafeez, Fakhar & Sharjeel can slot in the middle order.

[Maher96]

Looking difficult for any major changes.

Azam, Asif and Kushdil, Nawaz, Maqsood are are all on a knife edge at the moment.

Wahab, Sarfraz, Anwar, Malik could all return.

[Kroll]

For any changes to work, Babar and Rizwan need to relinquish the opening spots and move into the middle order with Hafeez

You’re right what you were saying about Misbah ul-Haq. He’s left a non-existent middle order before bailing.

What a waste of 2 years where we’re having to resort to Babar sharing opening duties with Rizwan because Haq wanted to destroy a no.1 ranked team and fit in his buddies.

[hitthestump]

Babar & Rizwan combo is the only good thing about our T20 XI and I dont think we should change it.

I say Babar & Rizwan should open and Hafeez, Fakhar & Sharjeel can slot in the middle order.

While Sharjeel is probably better than some other options, i think the inevitable removal of Azam Khan needs to be a 'line in the sand' moment about having any overweight players in the national side.

If we're serious about building the Pak brand up following the NZ debacle then fixers and fatties have got to go.

Doing anything but retaining the Babar/Rizwan opening combo at this stage of WC preparations seems borderline insane.

[Bilal7]

I have a good feeling about the T20 WC. Pakistan is going to play with zero expectations on their heads, which will not only give the tullaybaaz the license to go full-Afridi, it will also ease the pressure on Babar Azam. Allah knows the poor guy has the world on his shoulders.

Maqsood is the X-factor.

[shamaan]

I kind of agree

Need to see more of him but I would say he is the better option out of him and Sarfaraz for the 2nd keeper spot in terms of creating an impact

Definitely I don't think he will be considered thou I expect azam to go into the reserves.

[RedwoodOriginal]

Dhani, Fakhar, Malik more or less confirmed according to rumors. Azam, Sohaib, Hasnain going out.


Support all 3 inclusions. But Sohaib should not be dropped in my opinion. Asif Ali should have make way. If not him then Khushdil.

[Saj]

There has to be changes.

Hopefully the selectors see sense.

[srh]

Babar & Rizwan combo is the only good thing about our T20 XI and I dont think we should change it.

I say Babar & Rizwan should open and Hafeez, Fakhar & Sharjeel can slot in the middle order.

Babar & Rizwan opening combo is a recipe of disaster. Both of them are not aggressive enough to be given first 6 overs of batting power play.

[Rana]

Babar & Rizwan opening combo is a recipe of disaster. Both of them are not aggressive enough to be given first 6 overs of batting power play.

Misbah ul Haq has totally destroyed the team and now we have no strategy to negotiate middle overs with our non-existent middle order

[Kroll]

The selectors are surely having a laugh. This is like having a bad dream that we all need to wake up from. It's a right shambles of a squad that needs to be rebooted.

Can't expect Babar and Rizwan to do all batting work in every game.

[DeadlyVenom]

Dhani, Fakhar, Malik more or less confirmed according to rumors. Azam, Sohaib, Hasnain going out.


Support all 3 inclusions. But Sohaib should not be dropped in my opinion. Asif Ali should have make way. If not him then Khushdil.

I agree about the inclusions and also that Sohaib shouldn't be dropped. He has done nothing of note since his comeback but for the short term he is at the crease looks like he belongs at this level.

In comparison Asif, Azam and Khushdil seem way out of their depth in international cricket.

[gazza619]

Babar & Rizwan opening combo is a recipe of disaster. Both of them are not aggressive enough to be given first 6 overs of batting power play.

Well tell me one opening combo of any international team that gives 60 runs in 6 overs on a regular basis?

On these UAE pitches which are generally slower, 40+ runs in 6 overs would be a fab start.

[shortbread]

This series must be an eye opener for the selectors, the recent disappointing events might be a blessing in disguise.

Some of these underachievers might have made a killing in home conditions against NZ & English B/C teams, and fooled many.

No hiding anymore!

[RedwoodOriginal]

I agree about the inclusions and also that Sohaib shouldn't be dropped. He has done nothing of note since his comeback but for the short term he is at the crease looks like he belongs at this level.

In comparison Asif, Azam and Khushdil seem way out of their depth in international cricket.

Agreed. Has the ability to go big at that level, and did exceedingly well in those conditions until recently.

Khushdil might be a name for the future. He has something about him. But the World Cup is no place to be trying him out.

As for the other two, I would be more than happy if they never play for Pakistan again.

[Kroll]

Sohaib Maqsood belongs at this level, really? Can’t field, can’t be bothered making an effort, can’t score any meaningful runs before holing out into the deep.

This is a mediocre Pakistan side so I guess he does actually belong to this team.

[DeadlyVenom]

Sohaib Maqsood belongs at this level, really? Can’t field, can’t be bothered making an effort, can’t score any meaningful runs before holing out into the deep.

This is a mediocre Pakistan side so I guess he does actually belong to this team.

Yes - It is setting the bar low but at least he looks like he can potentially score international runs. The rest are even bigger jokers.

[sam_ahm]

This will be a far better line up

Sherjeel
Fakhar
Babar
Rizwan
Hafeez
Maqsood
Imad Wasim
Shadab
Hasan Ali
Dahani
Shaheen
------------------------
M Wasim
Sarfaraz
Nawaz
Asif Ali

[srh]

This will be a far better line up

Sherjeel
Fakhar
Babar
Rizwan
Hafeez
Maqsood
Imad Wasim
Shadab
Hasan Ali
Dahani
Shaheen
------------------------
M Wasim
Sarfaraz
Nawaz
Asif Ali

Much better squad than the original. But it is missing Zahid Mahmood. The best spinner of Pakistan has to be in the squad.

[gazza619]

I am really really really really really really really sick and tired to death with all these rumours of team changes. Can somebody please fast forward the time and give us a guaranteed squad of 15, so that we can all live (or die) in peace.

Ta

[b.lesner]

For me 2 changes Azam goes out Haris comes in, Asif Ali goes out Sharjeel comes in

[Babeikh]

I am really really really really really really really sick and tired to death with all these rumours of team changes. Can somebody please fast forward the time and give us a guaranteed squad of 15, so that we can all live (or die) in peace.

Ta

Yeah the media has been babbling on about 'there will be changes there will be changes bla bla bla'. If there are going to be changes, what are the PCB waiting for? Just do it.

I fear there won't be any changes and we will go to the world cup with this atrocious team. Good news being whoever selected this team could be sacked after the world cup.

[gazza619]

For me 2 changes Azam goes out Haris comes in, Asif Ali goes out Sharjeel comes in

Who is Haris?

[waheed_sofi]

Who is Haris?

Mohammad Haris KPK Keeper.
Was in the ODI Squad against NZ

[Kroll]

Mohammad Haris KPK Keeper.
Was in the ODI Squad against NZ

We need 3 or 4 proper batsmen not another keeper.

[sam_ahm]

Just checked Bangalzai's profile on cricinfo and this lad is just 18 years old. Obviously way too early to break into the national team but Looks like a good prospect for Pakistan.

[sharmaji]

Hafeez could miss the tournament if he doesn't recover from dengue. Who will replace him then? Shoaib Malik?

[Nasty Naz]

Hard not to think of some changes on the squad with Azam Khan & Hasnain struggling. Dahani seems like a good bet to replace him.

Maqsood has done well in this tournament but honestly, I am not sure he should be on the squad. His fielding is extremely bad and even his effort level on the fielding side is poor. Catches win matches.

[Shafi]

We need 3 or 4 proper batsmen not another keeper.

Haris is an aggressive batsman.

[sam_ahm]

Those who play fantasy cricket would know the golden rule is to pick the players in form, don't assume someone out of form will catch fire and perform also don't worry about law of averages catching up with those in form. Someone in form will do well 3 out of 4 times, even if he fails once. Someone out of form will fail 4 out of 5 times.

So better to pick players who are in form like Dahani, Haider Ali and the likes, drop those who are not in form like Azam Khan, Khushdil, Hasnain.

[shamaan]

Hafeez could miss the tournament if he doesn't recover from dengue. Who will replace him then? Shoaib Malik?

I think even if hafeez is fit malik will stil make the squad/reserves.