Pakistan cricket fans eagerly awaiting news on the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies can rejoice as reports suggest the 15-member team for the mega event has been finalised.
According to a report in Geo News, the squad's composition reveals a strategic approach with the selection committee placing its faith in raw pace. With five fast bowlers, the team seems to prioritize pace bowling, a tactic that has proven successful for Pakistan in the past. Interestingly, the report mentions a surprising inclusion: three wicketkeepers.
Another noteworthy aspect is the inclusion of only one specialist spinner. This hints at a reliance on all-rounders to provide spin bowling options alongside their batting and fielding prowess. The report also highlights four all-rounders in the squad, suggesting they will play a vital role in maintaining balance.
The inclusion of one spinner is in complete contrast to team India, who announced their squad on April 30, and featured four spinners in Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal.
While the official announcement is still pending, this revelation offers a glimpse into the potential makeup of Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad.
Pakistan’s likely squad for T20 World Cup: Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan, Azam Khan, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Saim Ayub, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Abbas Afridi and Haris Rauf.
Reserves: Salman Ali Agha, Hasan Ali and Irfan Khan.
Pakistan cricket fans will have to wait a little longer for the official announcement, which is likely to come after the conclusion of the ongoing T20I series against England. This wait only heightens the anticipation for the unveiling of the team that will carry the nation's hopes at the T20 World Cup.
Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2024 schedule
June 6: Pakistan vs USA, Dallas
June 9: Pakistan vs India, New York
June 11: Pakistan vs Canada, New York
June 16: Pakistan vs Ireland, Lauderhill