The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finally confirmed Pakistan’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2024, beginning on June 1 in the West Indies and USA. After a long wait, the PCB announced a 15-man team led by star batter Babar Azam, with no reserves named.
Despite modest performances from Usman Khan and Saim Ayub, the selectors have opted to recall the duo. Usman Khan earned a national call-up after being the second-highest run-scorer in PSL 2024, but he has only managed 59 runs in five T20Is. Saim Ayub, with 284 runs in 20 matches at an average of 15.77, also gets another chance.
Azam Khan retains his spot despite not showcasing any significant innings in international cricket thus far. Haris Rauf’s return from a shoulder injury suffered in PSL 2024 is a significant boost for the Men in Green. However, Hasan Ali, released from the squad to face England, did not find a place in the lineup.
The selection meeting saw the attendance of Abdul Razzag, Asad Shafia, Babar Azam, Bilal Afzal, Gary Kirsten, Mohammad Yousuf, and Wahab Riaz.
Pakistan squad:
Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan
PCB on Haris Rauf
The Pakistan selectors expressed confidence in the squad selection ahead of the tournament but believed that game time for Haris Rauf in Headingley would have been beneficial. The statement, as quoted by pco.co.pk, said,
“This is an extremely talented and balanced side that has a mixture of youth and experience. These players have been playing together for some time and look well prepared and settled for next month’s event. Haris Rauf is fully fit and bowling well in the nets,”
“It would have been nice if he had gotten an outing at Headingley, but we remain confident that he will continue to maintain an upward trajectory in the upcoming matches, as he will have an important role to play along with other strike bowlers in the T20 World Cup.”
The 2009 World T20 champions, who were the runners-up in the 2022 edition, will kick off their campaign against USA on June 6th.