T20 World Cup: Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed miss out as Pakistan announce Babar Azam-led squad

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced their 15-member squad led by Babar Azam for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in UAE and Oman and home series against New Zealand and England. There were a couple of surprises in the middle-order batsmen Asif Ali and Khushdil Shah getting late call-ups despite not having form by their side while the likes of Shoaib Malik and Sarfraz Ahmed missed out.

Pakistan are in Group 2 of Super 12 along with India, New Zealand, Afghanistan and the winner of Group B and the runners-up of Group A from the first round. Along with Malik and former captain Sarfraz, the unlucky ones to miss out also include all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, opening batsman Sharjeel Khan and pace bowler Wahab Riaz.

The big-hitting Sohaib Maqsood, wicket-keeper batsman Azam Khan and 20-year old fast bowling all-rounder Mohammad Wasim Jr have made the cut while the likes of uncapped pacer Shahnawaz Dahani, leg-spinner Usman Qadir and opening batsman Fakhar Zaman have been selected as the travelling reserves.

Asif and Khushdil return for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021

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— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) September 6, 2021

Talking about the squad at a press conference in Lahore, chief selector Muhammad Wasim said that they have selected T20 specialists considering the familiar venues in the UAE and the opponents in their group.

Speaking about selection of Asif Ali and Khusdil despite not having great number, Wasim said, "Asif Ali and Khushdil Shah may not have impressive numbers against their names but hardly anyone can doubt their tremendous talent and prowess. They are the best in the available pool of middle-order batsmen and we remain confident that they will provide us solutions to our middle-order difficulties through solid performances.

Wasim also elaborated on why Azam Khan was preferred ahead of Sarfraz and why the likes of Fakhar Zaman missed out on the place in the original squad while Faheem Ashraf was left out.

"Azam Khan is an aggressive and attacking batter who also keeps wickets, a combination that has earned him the selectors’ nod ahead of Sarfaraz Ahmed. Mohammad Wasim Junior has been preferred over Faheem Ashraf due to his pace and ability to hit big shots. Wasim will bolster the fast bowling unit, which comprises Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Hasnain and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

"Fakhar Zaman, Shahnawaz Dahani and Usman Qadir were unlucky to miss out on the selections. Sohaib Maqsood’s ability to bat and perform anywhere in the top-order has given him an edge over Fakhar, while the presence of three experienced spinners, who are also capable batters, and five genuine wicket-taking fast bowlers made it difficult for Usman Qadir to get into the side. Like Faheem, an uncapped Shahnawaz was tied with Mohammad Wasim Junior, but we opted for the latter due to his pace and batting abilities," Wasim further added.

Pakistan begin their campaign against India in the high-voltage clash on October 24 before fine-tuning their preparations for the tournament, at home against New Zealand and England.

Pakistan squad for T20 World Cup: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Azam Khan, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sohaib Maqsood

Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usman Qadir