The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced on Friday a changed squad for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, with Azam Khan being replaced by former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed.
The national selectors made three changes to the team “after taking into consideration player performances and form”, the PCB said in a statement.
In the other two changes, Haider Ali has replaced Mohammad Hasnain, while Fakhar Zaman, who was originally named as a travel reserve, has replaced with Khushdil Shah.
Meanwhile, the decision on Sohaib Maqsood’s inclusion in the squad will be made following medical advice, the PCB added. The top-order batter underwent MRI scans for his lower back after the October 6 National T20 match against Northern and missed Thursday’s Punjab derby against Central Punjab.
At least five among the 15-men national side were trying to justify their selection during the 18-match first leg of the National T20 Cup. Out of which, only Sohaib Maqsood overcame a poor start with two half-centuries for the winless Southern Punjab.
But his teammates Azam Khan and Khushdil Shah, Northern’s Asif Ali and Sindh speedster Mohammad Hasnain all failed to make any impact at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, barring a few exceptions.
“After reviewing player performances in the highly competitive National T20 and in consultation with the team management, we have decided to include Haider Ali, Fakhar Zaman and Sarfaraz Ahmed in the squad for the … World Cup,” Wasim was quoted as saying by the PCB on Friday.
“It must be tough for Azam, Khushdil and Hasnain for missing out but they still have a lot to offer in their careers,” Wasim said, adding that trio was in the PCB’s future plans for post-World Cup cricket.
“I am pleased with the intensity and high quality of cricket that we have witnessed in the National T20. It has not only provided the players excellent match practice in the lead-up to the UAE competition, [but] it has also given us the opportunity to closely monitor the player progress and then make decisions that are in the best interest of the side for what will be a cut-throat tournament.”
The T20 World Cup will be held in the United Arab Emirates from October 17 to November 14. Pakistan is in Group 2 and will open its campaign against India on October 24 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
