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

[shamaan]

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 brought in as a second keeper if he plays he will take the gloves.

[shamaan]

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

Who would you have included instead of sarfraz as the second keeper

[Major]

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.

could be many reasons.

Its a domestic game, so it doesnt matter. Plus, Harris would be taking the gloves after that match and Rizwan wanted to keep himself fit and also as it was Baluchistan thus it was easy match practise for the kid.

[Major]

Who would you have included instead of sarfraz as the second keeper

Second keepers do not get added in the squad, they get added in the reserves. You only play a second keeper when the first one is injured.

Basically, Pakistan is going with a squad of 14 instead of 15.

Sarfraz place should had been in the reserve. Although I dont agree with Kushdil going with the team, I would had preferred if Iftikhar was added instead.

Infact, I wouldn't had minded Zahid Mehmood or Shahnawaz Dhani either in the 15 squad.

[shamaan]

Second keepers do not get added in the squad, they get added in the reserves. You only play a second keeper when the first one is injured.

Basically, Pakistan is going with a squad of 14 instead of 15.

Sarfraz place should had been in the reserve. Although I dont agree with Kushdil going with the team, I would had preferred if Iftikhar was added instead.

Infact, I wouldn't had minded Zahid Mehmood or Shahnawaz Dhani either in the 15 squad.

I agree he should be in the reserves.

[shamaan]

could be many reasons.

Its a domestic game, so it doesnt matter. Plus, Harris would be taking the gloves after that match and Rizwan wanted to keep himself fit and also as it was Baluchistan thus it was easy match practise for the kid.

Domestic or not it does happen and can happen in international I belive sarfraz kept whilst rizwan was in the outfield in a odi match can't remember who against thou.but I would not play sarfraz in the xi whilst rizwan is thier

[Rana]

Second keepers do not get added in the squad, they get added in the reserves. You only play a second keeper when the first one is injured.

Basically, Pakistan is going with a squad of 14 instead of 15.

Sarfraz place should had been in the reserve. Although I dont agree with Kushdil going with the team, I would had preferred if Iftikhar was added instead.

Infact, I wouldn't had minded Zahid Mehmood or Shahnawaz Dhani either in the 15 squad.

I think Sarfaraz has genuinely been picked for batting and to tackle spin. The only other option was to pick washed up Shoaib Malik who is adamantly clinging on. I

[Major]

I think Sarfaraz has genuinely been picked for batting and to tackle spin. The only other option was to pick washed up Shoaib Malik who is adamantly clinging on. I

Sarfraz Ahmed doesnt really bat. He only plays cameos. Cameos that you can get even with Asif Ali. Even though I dislike Asif Ali, but he would put up the same score in fewer balls than what sarfraz offers.

Sarfraz hardly is able to play an innings.

[Rana]

Sarfraz Ahmed doesnt really bat. He only plays cameos. Cameos that you can get even with Asif Ali. Even though I dislike Asif Ali, but he would put up the same score in fewer balls than what sarfraz offers.

Sarfraz hardly is able to play an innings.

The problem we will have is Pakistan may need someone to play attritional cricket alongside Hafeez if the going gets tough with spinners operating. Malik tbf was the man for the job, but there has to be a full stop on his international career or we will never ever get out or depending on him. Malik will cling on until he is 50 otherwise, and Pakistan will love to keep resorting to him.

I think if Misbah had planned this better, Saud Shaqeel should have been the guy to come in at 5 after Hafeez. He is a very good batsman and he plays positively. But Misbah wasted too much time trying to groom Khushdil, Iftikhar, Azam and Asif Ali. For the role they have selected Sarfaraz, Saud is a much better option and and handy cricketer overall. I don’t think he was on PCB’s radar and they couldn’t drastically change their plans to accommodate him. But he really is a top find. Harris Sohail looks like he is back to full fitness also, but it’s too late for him to be considered as well.

[Cric_lover4487]

Sarfraz is being brought in as a second keeper if he plays he will take the gloves.

So basically PCB succumb to media pressure and Sarfraz will again be waterboy like previous year or so. I don't think its good to treat your ex captain like this. Its better to tell them that they are not in scheme of things so that they can retire gracefully.

[Ismailtoca]

Sarfraz has done well as a batsman this T20 cup. Avg of near 40 and str of 127 - although average is inflated due to Not outs. Still 198 runs isnt bad

[shamaan]

So basically PCB succumb to media pressure and Sarfraz will again be waterboy like previous year or so. I don't think its good to treat your ex captain like this. Its better to tell them that they are not in scheme of things so that they can retire gracefully.

But that would mean azam khan being keeper and that's a big NO for most people

[MenInG]

Pictures of Pakistan ICC Men's T20 World Cup squad practicing at the NHPC

[MenInG]

Lahore: Pacer Hasan Ali thinks every match in the upcoming is important to win and they are not just focusing on games against India and New Zealand.

The 27-year-old Hasan Ali, in a virtual presser, told reporters that players will look to prepare well before first match against arch-rivals India on October 24.

“The hype for Pakistan vs India matches has always been high but this time Pakistan’s match against New Zealand has also gained popularity after their pullout from the Pakistan tour,” Hasan said.

“This is a global tournament and every game is important here. We have good two weeks before our first game and we will utilise it as much as possible,” he added.

On the other hand, Hasan is confident of performing well as he is the most senior pacer in the team. “I want to lead my side’s pace attack and put up exemplary performances.”

”We have played a lot of cricket in the UAE and understand the conditions there. The pitches there are on the slower side and I hardly see a team scoring 200 there. The key will be to bowl according to situation and bring in variations.”


ARY

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More quotes

"He [Philander] hasn't played much T20 cricket but no doubt he was a great bowler and brought in a lot of success for his South Africa"

"He knows about bowling and I hope the work we do with him will be helpful for us. But as far as Viki [Waqar Younis] bhai is concerned, before such a mega event this change in management shouldn't have happened but obviously, it's not in my hands. I admire Waqar Younis and all the work I have done with him. I really enjoyed my time with him but unfortunately he isn't here and we have to move on. We will move and try to give our best."

"Obviously a lot of hype has already been created about our first two games with India and New Zealand,"

"We don't have any room to get complacent and we can't afford to take these matches lightly. We will go all prepared from the first game and obviously when you go on with the win from the opening game it boosts your confidence. Pressure is there but we all are professional and we know how to deal with it.

"We have a good combination and ability to beat any team in the world. I have full faith in my team that we will give 100 per cent. I don't claim that we will come back with the trophy because results are not in our hands. What we have in our hands is the effort we can put in and we can ensure we will give a fair fight in every game we play. I have to win games for my team no matter where I bowl or bowl with a new or old ball."

"Wickets in UAE have always been slow and whatever cricket we played and watched, we hardly saw 200+ runs scored in an innings. The whole world knows that these will be low scoring games and I would say if you score 160-170 it may well be a winning score."

“I want to lead my side’s pace attack and put up exemplary performances. I have to win games for my team no matter where I bowl or bowl with a new or old ball,”

[iniqbal223]

My simple advice to Hasan Ali; even if you become half of what Philander is in tests by wining matches to Pakistan that will be great!!

Focus on work , rather than being spokesperson for Waqar Younis..We all know how you made yourself fool by giving rash statements of getting 10 Indian wickets in 2018 Asia Cup , and ending up with nothing
You are a very good bowler and (a decentish batsman) just continue to work hard and try to learn from others as well.

[MenInG]

Pictures of practice

[shaz619]

Why did Pakistan announce their WT20 squad after a pivotal domestic T20 tournament ? That too after some international tour cancellations.

Can someone explain the logic behind this please.

Thanks

[MenInG]

The squad is playing a scenario match at the LCCA ground today

All the players participating in the scenario match have been given different goals

The top order has been given a target of 150 runs in the first 15 overs

The bowlers have been given the target of bowling in the power play

Middle order batsmen have been given a target of 110 runs in the last 12 overs

The bowlers have to stop them before that target

[MenInG]

The squad is playing a scenario match at the LCCA ground today

All the players participating in the scenario match have been given different goals

The top order has been given a target of 150 runs in the first 15 overs

The bowlers have been given the target of bowling in the power play

Middle order batsmen have been given a target of 110 runs in the last 12 overs

The bowlers have to stop them before that target

[Rana]

Pakistan need to get rid of this horrendous grey training kit

Such a vibe killer

[MenInG]

Lahore: Bowlers dominated the first scenario-based practice match at the LCCA ground as Pakistan squad continues to prepare for T20 World Cup.

After two days of net sessions, Green Shirts were tasked to achieve various goals. The bowlers were successful in defending them.

In the first half of the match, the top order comprising of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Haider Ali, had a target of 150 runs in the first 15 overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf gave only 106 runs in 15 overs.

In the second half of the match, the middle-order batters had to score 102 runs in 12 overs. Shoaib Malik, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr. scored 100 runs in 12 overs. Imad Wasim (38) and Mohammad Hafeez (30) remained the top scorers of the match.

ARY

[MenInG]

Rizwan injury during training - hope not serious

[MenInG]

Pictures (courtesy of the PCB) of the Pakistan ICC T20 World Cup squad practicing at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

[MenInG]

Pakistan's ICC T20 World Cup squad has departed for Dubai (Picture from PCB Video)

[MenInG]

And they have arrived!

[MenInG]

Pictures of Pakistan's ICC T20 World Cup squad practicing ahead of their first warm-up game against the West Indies tomorrow (Pictures courtesy of the PCB)

[Colorblind Genius]

Kinda refreshing to see No Misbah and Waqar near the team. And perhaps that's why players look happy and relaxed. Which is a good thing.