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While several leading cricketing nations have already unveiled their squads for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan are still in the process of finalizing their 15-member squad for the prestigious global event.
New Zealand were the frontrunner in announcing their squad for the mega event, slated to be co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States of America (USA), making the revelation on Monday (April 29). Following suit, India, South Africa and defending champions England disclosed their squads. Australia, the reigning champions from the 2021 edition held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), also revealed their lineup on Wednesday.
Pakistan delays T20 World Cup squad announcement
Now, chief selector Wahab Riaz disclosed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has deferred the announcement of its World Cup squad until late May due to concerns regarding the fitness and performance of certain players. Pakistan recently announced their 18-member squad for the upcoming tour of Ireland and England, with the final 15-member squad set to be determined for the T20 World Cup from that squad, scheduled to begin shortly after the conclusion of these tours.
Also READ: Pakistan unveil T20I squad for the Ireland and England tour; Haris Rauf returns
Assurance by chief selector Wahab Riaz
Responding to inquiries regarding the delay in the squad announcement, Wahab mentioned the necessity of assessing the fitness levels of players like Haris Rauf and others before arriving at a final decision, ensuring the squad’s readiness for the demanding tournament. However, he provided assurance that the announcement will be made post May 21.
“We have to check fitness of Haris Rauf and a few other players. Pakistan will announce squad for T20 World Cup 2024 after May 21,” Wahab said.
"We need to assess the fitness of Haris Rauf and a few other players. Pakistan will announce the squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 after May 21st."
Wahab Riaz pic.twitter.com/Fvwg77DNnY
— CricWick (@CricWick) May 2, 2024
Haris has been out of competitive action since suffering a shoulder dislocation during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 in February. Nevertheless, he has been actively participating in rehabilitation and bowling sessions at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. Azam Khan‘s exclusion was due to a calf muscle injury sustained just before the first T20 against New Zealand in Rawalpindi.
Similarly, Mohammad Rizwan and Irfan Khan Niazi missed out on the last two T20s against New Zealand due to hamstring injuries incurred during the third game. Nevertheless, except for Niazi, all others have been included in the squad for the Ireland and England tour.
