PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced 15-member squad for series against New Zealand, England and T20 World Cup on Monday morning, bringing back Asif Ali and Khushdil Shah but former captains Sarfaraz Ahmad, Shoiab Malik and opening batter Sharjeel Khan were left out of the squad.
The ICC World Twenty20 will kick off in the UAE on October 17 while Pakistan’s home series against New Zealand will start on September 17. Chief selector Muhammad Waseem in a press conference said that the same team will take part in the series against New Zealand and England.
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Waseem said that Pakistan’s squad has 15 members, including 3 reserve players, “selected according to the needs” of the team and “keeping in mind the conditions”. He added that Babar Azam will be the captain of the national team for T20 World Cup while Shadab Khan will be the vice-captain. The team includes Asif Ali, Azam Khan, Haris Rauf, Hassan Ali, Imad Wasim, Khushdal Shah, Muhammad Hafeez, Muhammad Hasnain, Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Rizwan, Muhammad Wasim Jr., Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sohaib Maqsood,
Muhammad Waseem said that Sarfraz Ahmed has been dropped while Fakhr Zaman, Shahnawaz Dhani and Usman Qadir were selected as reserve players. Asif Ali and Khushdal Shah have made a comeback to the national squad. According to Waseem, the 15-member squad includes 5 batsmen, 2 wicket-keepers, 4 all-rounders and 4 fast bowlers.
Meanwhile, Pakistan cricket team head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis have resigned from their position. Both coaches have informed the Pakistan Cricket Board of their decision.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former Test cricketers Saqleen Mushtaq and Abdul Razzaq as interim coaches for the New Zealand home series. The resignations of both the coaches came to light just hours after the Pakistan Cricket Board announced the squad for the tour of New Zealand, England and T20 World Cup.