While several leading cricketing nations have already unveiled their squads for the upcoming tournament T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan are still finalizing their 15-man roster for the prestigious global event.
New Zealand were the top candidates when announcing their squad for the mega event, which is to be organized jointly by the West Indies and that United States of America (USA), unveiling on Monday (April 29). Following the example, India, South Africa and defending champions England announced their squads. Australiathe reigning champions of the 2021 edition, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)also announced its lineup on Wednesday.
Pakistan postpones T20 World Cup squad announcement
Well, chief selector Wahab Riaz disclosed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has postponed the announcement of its World Cup squad until the end of May due to concerns about the fitness and performance of certain players. Pakistan recently announced their 18-member squad for the upcoming tour Ireland and England, with this squad expected to be used to determine the final 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to begin shortly after these tours conclude.
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Assurance from chief selector Wahab Riaz
Responding to queries regarding the delay in announcing the squad, Wahab mentioned the need to assess the fitness level of such players Haris Rauf and others before a final decision is made to ensure the team is ready for the demanding tournament. However, he assured that the announcement would be made after May 21.
“We need to check the fitness of Haris Rauf and some other players. Pakistan will announce the squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup after May 21.” Wahab said.
“We have to assess the fitness of Haris Rauf and some other players. Pakistan will announce the squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup after May 21.”
Wahab Riaz pic.twitter.com/Fvwg77DNnY
– CricWick (@CricWick) May 2, 2024
Haris has been out of action since dislocating his shoulder during competition Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 in February. However, he actively participated in rehabilitation and bowling classes at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. Azam KhanThe reason for his exclusion was a calf muscle injury that he sustained shortly before the first T20 game New Zealand in Rawalpindi.
Similar, Mohammad Rizwan And Irfan Khan Niazi missed the last two T20 games against New Zealand due to hamstring injuries in the third game. Nevertheless, everyone except Niazi was included in the squad for the tour of Ireland and England.
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