Following ICC ultimatum, Pakistan announces T20 World Cup squad
The move follows the ICC reportedly threatening Pakistan with severe sanctions if the board proceeded with the rumoured boycott
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday announced its squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, effectively reversing the veiled threat to boycott the event in solidarity with Bangladesh.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had earlier suggested that Pakistan would boycott the World Cup, following Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the tournament over security concerns in India.
The move follows the International Cricket Council (ICC) reportedly threatening Pakistan with severe sanctions if the board proceeded with the rumoured boycott.
Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland after ICC-commissioned security experts found no credible threat in India.
Salman Ali Agha has been named the captain. Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi return to the lineup. Pacer Haris Rauf was dropped due to form and fitness concerns, while keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan missed the cut following a quiet run in the Big Bash League.
Several players, including Khawaja Mohammad Nafay and Usman Tariq, have earned their maiden World Cup call-ups.
Team: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), and Usman Tariq.
