In a much-anticipated announcement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed the 15-member squad that will represent Pakistan in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, set to be held in the USA and Caribbean. Led by the dynamic Babar Azam, the squad boasts a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers.
The inclusion of Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, who reversed their retirements earlier this year, adds significant experience to the squad. The selection was finalized after a meticulous two-hour meeting of the selection committee, attended by cricket luminaries including Abdul Razzaq, Asad Shafiq, and Gary Kirsten.
Five players—Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Saim Ayub, and Usman Khan—will make their T20 World Cup debut, injecting fresh energy into the team. Meanwhile, Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim return after their previous appearances in 2016 and 2021 tournaments, respectively.
Expressing confidence in the squad’s capabilities, a PCB statement described it as “extremely talented and balanced,” citing the cohesion and preparation among the players.
The announcement also addressed concerns regarding Haris Rauf’s fitness, assuring fans that the pace spearhead, who suffered a shoulder injury during the Pakistan Super League, is fully fit and ready to contribute to Pakistan’s campaign in the T20 World Cup.
Pakistan is currently in England, fine-tuning their skills in a four-match T20 series as part of their preparation for the global tournament.
Pakistan Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024:
- Babar Azam (captain)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Azam Khan
- Fakhar Zaman
- Haris Rauf
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Imad Wasim
- Mohammad Abbas Afridi
- Mohammad Amir
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Naseem Shah
- Saim Ayub
- Shadab Khan
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Usman Khan
Pakistan’s Schedule of Matches:
- June 6 — vs USA, Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Dallas
- June 9 — vs India, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York
- June 11 — vs Canada, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York
- June 16 — vs Ireland, Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida
Should Pakistan advance to the Super Eight round, their matches will be as follows:
- June 19 — vs D1, Antigua
- June 21 — vs C2, Barbados
- June 23 — vs B1, Barbados
With high expectations riding on them, Pakistan aims to make a resounding impact in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, eyeing a triumphant campaign in the USA and Caribbean.