T20 World Cup: Chief selector hints at big changes in squad
Chief selector Mohammad Wasim stated on Wednesday that the Pakistani team has no plans to alter its T20 World Cup roster but has the ability to do so if necessary.
In an interview with Geo News, Wasim acknowledged that the Pakistani team’s middle order is a trouble area, and that they are experimenting with different lineups during the England series in preparation for the mega tournament.
Fast bowlers Mohammad Wasim Junior and Shaheen Shah Afridi, as well as top-order batsman Shan Masood, were included in the 15-player squad for the shortest format for the first-time last week. Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris, and Shahnawaz Dahani were named as the three travelling reserves.
Wasim Junior was added to the team after fully recovering from the side strain he sustained during the ACC T20 Asia Cup, but Shaheen, who is in London receiving treatment for a knee ailment and will likely start bowling again early next month, will join the team in Brisbane on October 15.
Before October 15th, changes to the squad are permitted without the Event Technical Committee’s consent.
When playing against England in the first T20 and the Asia Cup 2022 final, according to Mohammad Wasim, the team did not perform satisfactorily.
“Efforts are being made to address the Pakistani team’s batting issues. In the most recent series, the team management has also created several combinations to address the issue and provided bench strength opportunities. We are not overly concerned about two consecutive losses because the World Cup is just around the way.”
The chief selector stated that although there is currently no plan to alter the World Cup roster, it is undoubtedly an option.
“I’m not sure what could be changed. I’m hoping the competitors that were chosen for the competition do well.”
He added that while Fakhar Zaman is a member of the squad and that we hope he recovers from his injury quickly, injuries can also result in changes. If he is unable to play in the World Cup, some names will be taken into consideration.
T20 World Cup: Chief selector hints at big changes in squad
Saim Ayub and Sharjeel Khan, he claimed, are among our 18 players but not among our 15 players: “Choosing an opener in lieu of an opener is not required. Some names are being examined.”
Wasim acknowledged that he wouldn’t mind criticism of his choice or of himself, but he felt bad about picking on players.
