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

[sharmaji]

Yeah I think he will, after today's innings.

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

[shamaan]

Yeah I think he will, after today's innings.

I would have picked him even before this innings

[OMB]

The national squad will leave Lahore on October 15 on a chartered flight to the United Arab Emirates

Players participating in the National T20 will move from one bubble to another after completing the event
The final of the National T20 Tournament will be played on October 13

All members of the national squad's sports staff will gather in Lahore on October 8
All of them will be quarantined for seven days at a local hotel in Lahore

Bowling consultant Vernon Flanders will arrive in Pakistan on October 7
Batting consultant Matthew Hayden will join the national squad in the UAE
All members of the national squad will be allowed to take their families with them to the UAE

[OMB]

The national squad will leave Lahore on October 15 on a chartered flight to the United Arab Emirates

Players participating in the National T20 will move from one bubble to another after completing the event
The final of the National T20 Tournament will be played on October 13

All members of the national squad's sports staff will gather in Lahore on October 8
All of them will be quarantined for seven days at a local hotel in Lahore

Bowling consultant Vernon Flanders will arrive in Pakistan on October 7
Batting consultant Matthew Hayden will join the national squad in the UAE
All members of the national squad will be allowed to take their families with them to the UAE

[MenInG]

LAHORE: Former Test cricketer Aqib Javed advises the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to boost the confidence of players with a clear message that the squad for the T20 World Cup won't be changed.

Former Test cricketer Aqib Javed says that the world will make fun of Pakistan if we change the squad for the ICC tournament.

"If we are not emotional about the first match against India, this team actually has the potential to do something," he said.

The former Test fast bowler and director of Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalandars told Geo News that if the squad for the T20 World Cup has been announced now, we should back it. "I don't think the squad will change and it shouldn't. If we do it, we will be ridiculed by the world," he said.

Javed advised that a selection decision shouldn't be made on the basis of a seven-day form. "First think about who is performing consistently. Now if you have selected [the] players, back them up," he said, echoing PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja who had said that we should support the players selected.

Criticising the selection process in Pakistan, he said it had no consistency for the last two or three years. "The team has reached this point due to a lack of consistency. The team was not as bad as it has been made. Players have been brought back after being dropped two to three times which has made them lose confidence," he said.

The former cricketer said that Pakistan's first match is against India and that if we are not emotional about this match, the team has the potential to perform well in the T20 World Cup.

He advised the PCB to boost the confidence of the players by giving a clear message that no changes will be made to the current team and a message of support. The PCB's message, he said, should reach the players and public so that they, too, can back up the squad.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/374244-t20...ays-aqib-javed

[BunnyRabbit]

Lol at world will laugh at Pak if we change the squad. What sort of argument is this? World doesn't care about this stuff except a few tv channels.
The world has also been making fun of him for over a decade now. Doubt he has given much thought to that yet.

[Rana]

LAHORE: Former Test cricketer Aqib Javed advises the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to boost the confidence of players with a clear message that the squad for the T20 World Cup won't be changed.

Former Test cricketer Aqib Javed says that the world will make fun of Pakistan if we change the squad for the ICC tournament.

"If we are not emotional about the first match against India, this team actually has the potential to do something," he said.

The former Test fast bowler and director of Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalandars told Geo News that if the squad for the T20 World Cup has been announced now, we should back it. "I don't think the squad will change and it shouldn't. If we do it, we will be ridiculed by the world," he said.

Javed advised that a selection decision shouldn't be made on the basis of a seven-day form. "First think about who is performing consistently. Now if you have selected [the] players, back them up," he said, echoing PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja who had said that we should support the players selected.

Criticising the selection process in Pakistan, he said it had no consistency for the last two or three years. "The team has reached this point due to a lack of consistency. The team was not as bad as it has been made. Players have been brought back after being dropped two to three times which has made them lose confidence," he said.

The former cricketer said that Pakistan's first match is against India and that if we are not emotional about this match, the team has the potential to perform well in the T20 World Cup.

He advised the PCB to boost the confidence of the players by giving a clear message that no changes will be made to the current team and a message of support. The PCB's message, he said, should reach the players and public so that they, too, can back up the squad.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/374244-t20...ays-aqib-javed

Aqib is clueless

Why should we go into the World Cup with Khushdil, Azam Khan, Hasnain and Qadir even though there are clearly much better options than them?

[Rana]

The world is already laughing at Pakistan for being played by New Zealand and England. It’s not like changing the World Cup team is more hilarious

[Babeikh]

Don't know why they announced the squad so early anyway.

[Rana]

Don't know why they announced the squad so early anyway.

Testing the waters

[GreenKhan]

The World cup bubble needs to be formed by the 8th October as per ICC requirements. Therefore any changes will need to be made in the next day or so. Otherwise apart from the reserves being brought into the main squad i do not envisage any further changes.

[arehaan]

LAHORE: Former Test cricketer Aqib Javed advises the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to boost the confidence of players with a clear message that the squad for the T20 World Cup won't be changed.

Former Test cricketer Aqib Javed says that the world will make fun of Pakistan if we change the squad for the ICC tournament.

"If we are not emotional about the first match against India, this team actually has the potential to do something," he said.

The former Test fast bowler and director of Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalandars told Geo News that if the squad for the T20 World Cup has been announced now, we should back it. "I don't think the squad will change and it shouldn't. If we do it, we will be ridiculed by the world," he said.

Javed advised that a selection decision shouldn't be made on the basis of a seven-day form. "First think about who is performing consistently. Now if you have selected [the] players, back them up," he said, echoing PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja who had said that we should support the players selected.

Criticising the selection process in Pakistan, he said it had no consistency for the last two or three years. "The team has reached this point due to a lack of consistency. The team was not as bad as it has been made. Players have been brought back after being dropped two to three times which has made them lose confidence," he said.

The former cricketer said that Pakistan's first match is against India and that if we are not emotional about this match, the team has the potential to perform well in the T20 World Cup.

He advised the PCB to boost the confidence of the players by giving a clear message that no changes will be made to the current team and a message of support. The PCB's message, he said, should reach the players and public so that they, too, can back up the squad.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/374244-t20...ays-aqib-javed

This statement alone shows the stupidity of this person. You identify the problems but don't fix it and let things continue as is. Wow what a theory pure genius this guy.

No wonder Lahore Qalandar hasnt won **** so far it cause of this mentality.

[YousafTheBeast]

So, tomorrow will be the last chance to make changes to the team…if PCB were looking to make changes why would they leave it so late.

I just hope Scotland qualify for the WT20 super 12(?) I back them to perform better than Pakistan.

[Savak]

Khusdil, Azam Khan, Hasnain are going out. They will be replaced by Fakhar, Shahnawaz Dhani. There is a close tie bw Shoaib Malik and Sarfaraz Ahmed but most likely Ramiz will give the go ahead to Sarfaraz.

If the UAE conditions favour grafter over hitters, I will go for both Sarfaraz and Shoaib Malik.

[Yk313]

Khusdil, Azam Khan, Hasnain are going out. They will be replaced by Fakhar, Shahnawaz Dhani. There is a close tie bw Shoaib Malik and Sarfaraz Ahmed but most likely Ramiz will give the go ahead to Sarfaraz.

If the UAE conditions favour grafter over hitters, I will go for both Sarfaraz and Shoaib Malik.

Source? I have a feeling a fast one might get pulled on this and the squad may see max two changes.

Any update on Hafeez?

[MenInG]

Source? I have a feeling a fast one might get pulled on this and the squad may see max two changes.

Any update on Hafeez?

He is training again with CP.

Also:

1. No announcement on Head Coach yet - “The matter is under consideration and a decision will soon be announced,” as per PCB spokesman in a news report

2. The International Cricket Council has set a deadline until Oct 10 for any changes to the squad.

“Hafeez’s health is being monitored and in the next couple of days, everything will be cleared" - as per PCB spokesman in a news report

[b.lesner]

The Pakistan cricket team's management is likely to take important decisions today on changes to the national squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup, sources said.

Chief Selector Muhammad Wasim is expected to hold important meetings today to discuss changes to the national squad for the world cup, the sources said.

They said the chief selector will meet interim coach Saqlain Mushtaq today and exchange views on the changes keeping in view the performances of the players during the ongoing National T20 Cup.

At least one or two changes to the world cup squad cannot be ruled out, sources said, adding that the management is also mulling over increasing the number of players to be sent to the bio-secure bubble for the T20 World Cup.

Cricketers selected for the ICC event will enter the special bubble for the world cup squad from Friday.

The players selected for the squad will continue to play the National T20 Cup till today, Thursday, October 7.

After entering the bubble, the players will directly leave for the UAE to play in the mega event, on October 15.

[Yk313]

He is training again with CP.

Also:

1. No announcement on Head Coach yet - “The matter is under consideration and a decision will soon be announced,” as per PCB spokesman in a news report

2. The International Cricket Council has set a deadline until Oct 10 for any changes to the squad.

“Hafeez’s health is being monitored and in the next couple of days, everything will be cleared" - as per PCB spokesman in a news report

Thank you, appreciate this.

[mon858]

So it looks to me there may not be any change from outside the 18, since the world cup squad has to get together tomorrow I believe and if you had to bring someone from outside the original 15, by now you would at least be notifying them to prep, gather any belongings, passport-visa, etc.

My guess is they will only swap couple of players from the reserves - so basically Fakhar for Khushdil and Dahani for Hasnain, and keep the original 18 say just to save face. I suppose that may be somewhat better than original 15/18 selection.

[Kroll]

Can’t believe we’re going to go in with such a rubbish squad. Changes are NEEDED.

Maybe the Indians will fall about laughing when we go to play them that we can take advantage of the situation.

[Rodsje]

I have a feeling that Sharjeel khan will slot in and open, because otherwise there was no reason for rizwan to come at 3. Also Fakhar will come in hence the fact that he plays down the order today. I believe khushdil and Sohaib or Asif will make way. Which is fair, i still think that Azam khan shouldn’t be there is well. So maybe Sarfraz will go in as a back up keeper.

At last I they ll pick Haider ali cause he looked much more matured and slogged less then he normally does, while containing a big healthy strike rate.

[YousafTheBeast]

Can PCB hurry up and make a decision on whether there will be changes or not.

There’s reports saying that Fakhar Zaman and Dahani will replace Khushdil and Hasnain - EXCELLENT NEWS IF TRUE.

There’s also reports stating that PCB may increase the number of players they take to UAE. Instead of taking family members, we should be taking more players.

I’d also like to see Azam Khan replaced by Malik or Haider Ali. The clocks ticking…

[mon858]

Can PCB hurry up and make a decision on whether there will be changes or not.

There’s reports saying that Fakhar Zaman and Dahani will replace Khushdil and Hasnain - EXCELLENT NEWS IF TRUE.

There’s also reports stating that PCB may increase the number of players they take to UAE. Instead of taking family members, we should be taking more players.

I’d also like to see Azam Khan replaced by Malik or Haider Ali. The clocks ticking…

There is no clock ticking for the 2 changes you mentioned because they are merely swap from 15 and reserves so they will be in same bubble just needto update ICC by Oct 10.

Clock seems to have passed unless we get a big surprise tomorrow morning for any other players outsiders 18 like Wahab, Malik, Sharjeel, etc.

[YousafTheBeast]

There is no clock ticking for the 2 changes you mentioned because they are merely swap from 15 and reserves so they will be in same bubble just needto update ICC by Oct 10.

Clock seems to have passed unless we get a big surprise tomorrow morning for any other players outsiders 18 like Wahab, Malik, Sharjeel, etc.

Apparently Babar is to have a meeting with Ramiz to talk about the squad, maybe Babar can convince him to bring in Malik and Haider.

Sharjeel’s international career is over, Ramiz Raja will never allow him back in the team, sadly.

[shamaan]

Husnain out dahani/wahab IN
Khushdil out/Fakhar In
Azam Khan out/safraz IN
Asif ali out/Malik or Haider ali IN

That's the changes I would make

[shamaan]

Apparently Babar is to have a meeting with Ramiz to talk about the squad, maybe Babar can convince him to bring in Malik and Haider.

Sharjeel’s international career is over, Ramiz Raja will never allow him back in the team, sadly.

If they are going by form then haider ali should be thier

[hitthestump]

Husnain out dahani/wahab IN
Khushdil out/Fakhar In
Azam Khan out/safraz IN
Asif ali out/Malik or Haider ali IN

That's the changes I would make

Think everyone pretty much agrees with you, so lets see what happens.

[Kaddy]

Husnain out dahani/wahab IN
Khushdil out/Fakhar In
Azam Khan out/safraz IN
Asif ali out/Malik or Haider ali IN

That's the changes I would make

These are logical changes. Hopefully chief selector has same thinking.

[Kaddy]

So it looks to me there may not be any change from outside the 18, since the world cup squad has to get together tomorrow I believe and if you had to bring someone from outside the original 15, by now you would at least be notifying them to prep, gather any belongings, passport-visa, etc.

My guess is they will only swap couple of players from the reserves - so basically Fakhar for Khushdil and Dahani for Hasnain, and keep the original 18 say just to save face. I suppose that may be somewhat better than original 15/18 selection.

So you think Azam Khan will still the squad.

[shamaan]

Think everyone pretty much agrees with you, so lets see what happens.

I don't think they will make all four changes but 3 at most I reakon

[shamaan]

These are logical changes. Hopefully chief selector has same thinking.

It all depends if he can admit his mistake and change the squad abit let's see what happens.

[SARJ_BD]

Malik has always played well in UAE, and the form he's in, it will be unfair if he's not picked.

Hasnain OUT - Dahani IN
Khushdil OUT - Malik IN
Azam OUT - Sarfraz/Fakhar IN

[Rana]

Malik has always played well in UAE, and the form he's in, it will be unfair if he's not picked.

Hasnain OUT - Dahani IN
Khushdil OUT - Malik IN
Azam OUT - Sarfraz/Fakhar IN

He’s in no form. He was dropped on 18 yesterday and he scored 40*

He scored 28 off 25 today on a road in Lahore. People are being fooled by his 80* recently.

Mohammad Nawaz and Sahibzada Farhan are in much better form than him.

[shamaan]

He’s in no form. He was dropped on 18 yesterday and he scored 40*

He scored 28 off 25 today on a road in Lahore. People are being fooled by his 80* recently.

Mohammad Nawaz and Sahibzada Farhan are in much better form than him.

Farhaan can only bat in the top 3

[Rana]

Farhaan can only bat in the top 3

Farhan is actually a very good fielder also. Looks like an athlete as well.

I think Nawaz should be our number 5 for this World Cup. He looks very good right now

[MenInG]

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup-bound Pakistan squad will hold a seven-day training and conditioning camp under bio-secure protocols at the National High Performance Centre and LCCA ground, Lahore, from Sunday, 10 October.

Today (Friday), the squad members, along with their family members, will join the bio-secure and undergo Covid-19 testing upon arrival. After returning negative tests, the players will be allowed to commence their preparations from Sunday with the gym sessions at NHPC.

The players will hold training sessions at the LCCA ground at 1:30 pm on 11-12 October and play a scenario match under the lights on 14 October. It will start at 6pm. No training activity has been scheduled for 13 October.

The squad will depart for Dubai on 15 October.

[Asif321]

Any changes?

[ask_analyse_act]

Don't know why they announced the squad so early anyway.

If they announce it late then how can they select Azam Khan ahead of Malik, Haider Ali, aamer yamin, Husain talat who are performing right now in national t20.

[Rana]

They can’t be serious taking this squad to the World Cup?

Khushdil and Azam are in no form or condition to be taken any further

[Kaddy]

PCB shouldn't make it an ego issue.
Some changes in the squad are necessary.

[Babeikh]

PCB shouldn't make it an ego issue.
Some changes in the squad are necessary.

I think this is the issue.

Terrible squad selected - I have literally never seen literally everyone so unanimously agreed that it is the worst squad we have ever taken to a world event. Not sure what Mohammad Wasim was thinking and what mind altering substances he was on when he selected the squad. Even he must know he has royally screwed up to epic proportions.

Only his ego can be stopping him from changing the squad, no other explanation.

[Asif321]

Shadab ,Nawaz,Imad, Hassan,Babar,Rauf not playing in today first game. So it means these players have entered bubble ..Malik and haider playing so they must not be in WC squad

[shamaan]

Shadab ,Nawaz,Imad, Hassan,Babar,Rauf not playing in today first game. So it means these players have entered bubble ..Malik and haider playing so they must not be in WC squad

Maqsood had back problems they are waiting for results if deemed un fit haider will take his position

[shamaan]

They can’t be serious taking this squad to the World Cup?

Khushdil and Azam are in no form or condition to be taken any further

I think thier will be 2 changes atleast

[shamaan]

Farhan is actually a very good fielder also. Looks like an athlete as well.

I think Nawaz should be our number 5 for this World Cup. He looks very good right now

He has looked good nawaz pluss he's a good fielder.

[waheed_sofi]

Why hasn't Razzaq entered into the Bubble?
Isn't he part of the Coaching Set-up?

[shamaan]

Wahab isn't playing today for CP ?

[IMMY69]

Azam will lose you the game in the field

[Rana]

Wahab isn't playing today for CP ?

He is playing. He is captain

[Rana]

According to Shoaib Akhtar

Fakhar and Dahani have made the squad.

He is still campaigning for Shoaib Malik to make the squad

[Rana]

Massive changes!

[waheed_sofi]

Fakhar, Sarfaraz, Haider In, Khushdil (reserve), Azam, Hasnain Out

[ManLikeMateen]

Fakhar, Haider and Sarfraz have been included, Khushdil, Asam and Hasnain are out. Just been announced on National t20 live coverage

[Sunny_majoka]

Expected

[Rana]

Decent squad now

If only Sharjeel can blast a 30 ball hundred tonight and make them think about dropping khushdil for good!

[Ozeirk]

Not sure how Sarfarazs place is warranted in th squad. The guys batting has been attrocious most of the National t20

[Major]

Basically nothing improved.

Why would Sarfraz be added in the main squad when he is not gonna play until Rizwan gets injured. Would had made sense if Sarfraz was in the reserve.

Asif ali? SHould had been Iftikhar there.

Shanawaz Dhani should be in the squad not reserve.

[waheed_sofi]

Sarfaraz's inclusion is really good. Has been very calm and focused in this tournament. This has reflected in his own performance (Batting+WK) and overall teams performance.
Since this tournament is in UAE, plays spin well, he can serve the team well in this tourney and then say goodbye & retire from the format.
Can still serve in other 2 formats particularly in tests.

[CrIc_Mystique]

Basically nothing improved.

Why would Sarfraz be added in the main squad when he is not gonna play until Rizwan gets injured. Would had made sense if Sarfraz was in the reserve.

Asif ali? SHould had been Iftikhar there.

Shanawaz Dhani should be in the squad not reserve.

I guess becoz its a long tournament and u need 2 keepers.

Same reasons for KL rahul, bairstow etc

[Rana]

Sarfaraz may actually be the first choice keeper and no.5 batsman to tackle spin as the tournament progresses.

We shall wait and see

[shamaan]

Not sure how Sarfarazs place is warranted in th squad. The guys batting has been attrocious most of the National t20

Still done better than azam khan on every Facit of the game

[shamaan]

I am happy with the squad but I think they should have taken another batter just incase maqsood isn't fit enough.

My xi
Babar
Rizwan
Haider ali
Hafeez
Fakhar
Maqsood
Imad
Shadab
Hassan Ali
Wasim Jnr
Shaheen

Both maqsood and haider make my xi.Wasim can slog abit at the end.hafeez will have to bowl 1-2 overs

[Cric_lover4487]

Basically nothing improved.

Why would Sarfraz be added in the main squad when he is not gonna play until Rizwan gets injured. Would had made sense if Sarfraz was in the reserve.

Asif ali? SHould had been Iftikhar there.

Shanawaz Dhani should be in the squad not reserve.

There is no rule that only 1 keeper can play. England plays both Bairstow and Butler. MI plays both Kishan and De kock etc.

[Cric_lover4487]

I am happy with the squad but I think they should have taken another batter just incase maqsood isn't fit enough.

My xi
Babar
Rizwan
Haider ali
Hafeez
Fakhar
Maqsood
Imad
Shadab
Hassan Ali
Wasim Jnr
Shaheen

Both maqsood and haider make my xi.Wasim can slog abit at the end.hafeez will have to bowl 1-2 overs

Is Imad the best left arm spinner in Pakistan? Just curious because he hardly spins the ball.

[shamaan]

Is Imad the best left arm spinner in Pakistan? Just curious because he hardly spins the ball.

He doesn't need to spin the bowl he has other qualities like control and bowling wicket to wicket.he proberly isn't the best left arm spinner but he's the best bowling spin bowling all rounder we have.Nawaz is good but he has to bat in the top 5 as he takes a couple bowls before he is set.

[Major]

There is no rule that only 1 keeper can play. England plays both Bairstow and Butler. MI plays both Kishan and De kock etc.

Why would pakistan play bothkeepers?

Bairstow and buttler are both good batsmen.

Sarfraz cant play as a batmens alone as hes a poor batsmen. Plus if he plays than rizwan wont be keeping due to our stupid senior culture

[shamaan]

Why would pakistan play bothkeepers?

Bairstow and buttler are both good batsmen.

Sarfraz cant play as a batmens alone as hes a poor batsmen. Plus if he plays than rizwan wont be keeping due to our stupid senior culture

Not becouse of the senior culture its due to rizwan being a good fielder and sarfraz not.

[Major]

Not becouse of the senior culture its due to rizwan being a good fielder and sarfraz not.

um no, its not about him being a good fielder.

having played club, what i have understood is that a keeper never likes to do give his gloves to someone else. When sarfraz is added in the team as a batsmen, the gloves are taken away from Rizwan which is unjust.

Rizwan is the best keeper in the world, Sarfraz is not even conisdered amongest the best.

[Rana]

um no, its not about him being a good fielder.

having played club, what i have understood is that a keeper never likes to do give his gloves to someone else. When sarfraz is added in the team as a batsmen, the gloves are taken away from Rizwan which is unjust.

Rizwan is the best keeper in the world, Sarfraz is not even conisdered amongest the best.

What are you talking about man? You are mentioning some village mentality politics which might be ok in Pakistan

Rizwan doesn’t keep because he is a gun outfielder whereas Sarfaraz needs to be hidden in the field

[Rana]

The only reason Rizwan could never hold a spot down in the national side pre MisQar was because he wasnt good enough as a batsman alone.

It was MisQar who made him more valuable by first making him the keeper, then by making him an opener who can take his time in the powerplay with the field stood up.

[Major]

What are you talking about man? You are mentioning some village mentality politics which might be ok in Pakistan

Rizwan doesn’t keep because he is a gun outfielder whereas Sarfaraz needs to be hidden in the field

if sarfraz has to be hidden in the field than that shows he shouldn't be selected.

Rizwan is the best keeper amongst the keepers of the world, and keeping is the most important job in cricket.
Also, Sarfraz isnt a batsmen that will score you 50s every match he is an avg player.

Just for an avg player you cant remove your best keeper and bring in a guy like sarfraz who scores 20-30 runs and isnt as a good as a keeper as the world class Rizwan is.

He should had been in the reserve list.

[Major]

The only reason Rizwan could never hold a spot down in the national side pre MisQar was because he wasnt good enough as a batsman alone.

It was MisQar who made him more valuable by first making him the keeper, then by making him an opener who can take his time in the powerplay with the field stood up.

?

Bhai, he is the highest scorer for Pakistan in t20 this year. He has made runs and proved himself.

[OneManShow]

The only reason Rizwan could never hold a spot down in the national side pre MisQar was because he wasnt good enough as a batsman alone.

It was MisQar who made him more valuable by first making him the keeper, then by making him an opener who can take his time in the powerplay with the field stood up.

You can keep bleating away like a sheep but Sharjeel only has himself to blame. He chose to spot fix for money. He was subsequently banned and came back an even more unfit version of himself and it's taken him a year to get any kind of form back. It's best to keep fixers away. We already made mistakes in the past.

[Rana]

?

Bhai, he is the highest scorer for Pakistan in t20 this year. He has made runs and proved himself.

If you read my post, that’s exactly what I have argued.

[rockyboy2018]

Fakhar, Haider and Sarfraz have been included, Khushdil, Asam and Hasnain are out. Just been announced on National t20 live coverage

I am glad Fakhar is now included in the team. Well, it is tough to ignore the choice of God. He should thank his lucky stars if he is chosen by the Almighty himself among useless crap.

[Cric_lover4487]

Why would pakistan play bothkeepers?

Bairstow and buttler are both good batsmen.

Sarfraz cant play as a batmens alone as hes a poor batsmen. Plus if he plays than rizwan wont be keeping due to our stupid senior culture

I am an Indian so i don't know exact details but from an outsider's perspective i feel Safaraz is being brought in as a middle order bat not as a back up keeper.

[Maher96]

Saqlain at the helm will do wonders. Rizwan would do anything for the team. If that means we win a gun fielder and Safraz who’s a very good keeper and number 5 in UAE then it’s a win win. Fakhar and Asif Ali would be battling for the number 6 spot it looks like. Sohaib vs Haider for the number 3 spot it seems.

3 spinners are a must and in all likelihood looking at current batting form too we can do with Nawaz, Imad and Shadab followed by bowlers. That might mean losing the Number 3 batter but as it seems tracks in UAE will suit grafters.

1 Babar
2 Rizwan
3 Hafeez
4 Fakhar

5 Sarfraz
6 Nawaz
7 Imad
8 Shadab

9 Hassan
10 Shaheen
11 Rauf/Dahani

[Major]

I am an Indian so i don't know exact details but from an outsider's perspective i feel Safaraz is being brought in as a middle order bat not as a back up keeper.

Sarfraz is being bought in because of the karachi pressure due to the media and his supporters like Moin Khan. Moin Khan is very loyal to Sarfraz and Karachi loves Sarfraz.

Had this been some other player, I doubt he would had recieved such love.

In the past we had Younis Khan who got such treatment and now we have sarfraz

[Nasty Naz]

I feel like everyone should also take solace that this is mostly a young squad at it's core with a few exceptions in Hafeez/Maqsood & Sarfraz as a backup WK.

And well, there's another WC set for next year and unlike squads of 2015 who couldn't play pace at all in Australia, these players seem almost better suited to play pace. I am hopeful we will do well in both WC and hopefully for years to come with all these young players.

[shamaan]

um no, its not about him being a good fielder.

having played club, what i have understood is that a keeper never likes to do give his gloves to someone else. When sarfraz is added in the team as a batsmen, the gloves are taken away from Rizwan which is unjust.

Rizwan is the best keeper in the world, Sarfraz is not even conisdered amongest the best.

So why did rizwan give the gloves to Muhammed Harris last national cup and this one.take the gloves away from rizwan and he will proberly stil be one of the best fielders in the out field.