Tag: T20 World Cup Squad

  • Sohaib Maqsood replaced by Shoaib Malik after back injury

    Sohaib Maqsood replaced by Shoaib Malik after back injury

    Sohaib Maqsood has been ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 due to a lower back injury and has been replaced by Shoaib Malik.

    As per a press release issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Sohaib underwent MRI scans for the lower back on Thursday after picking up the injury during October 6 match against Northern and consequently missed October 7 match against Central Punjab.

    Chief selector Muhammad Wasim said: “Sohaib is devastated to miss out on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as he had worked hard for this event and was in sparkling form. We feel for him but injuries are part and parcel of the sport. I am sure after undergoing rehabilitation, he’ll fully recover to be available for future assignments.”

    “In his place and following discussions with the team management, we have decided to include Shoaib Malik in the side. I am sure Shoaib’s experience will be handy for the entire squad,” he added.

    Shoaib Malik captained Pakistan in the inaugural T20 World Cup event in 2007 and was a member of the side that won the tournament in 2009. After missing the West Indies event in 2010, he featured in the 2012, 2014 and 2016 tournaments.

    The Pakistan squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 will depart for Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on October 15. They will play two warm-up matches against the West Indies and South Africa on October 18 and 20, respectively before taking on India in a Group-2 fixture on October 24 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

    Pakistan squad include Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hassan Ali, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shoaib Malik.

    Travelling reserves are Khushdil Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani and Usman Qadir.

  • ‘Waqt par gadhay ko bhi baap bana laina chahiye,’ says Wasim Akram after Amir announces availability

    ‘Waqt par gadhay ko bhi baap bana laina chahiye,’ says Wasim Akram after Amir announces availability

    Former Pakistan speedster Wasim Akram is undoubtedly one of the biggest stars produced by Pakistan. The Sultan of Swing is rated highly by experts around the globe, not only for his cricketing achievements but for his understanding of the game as well. While talking about Mohammad Amir, Akram said that he is an experienced bowler and can be used if needed.

    As the recently announced T20 World Cup squad of Pakistan attracted a lot of criticism, it was impossible to ignore the views of someone like Akram. For this purpose, ARY News invited the former captain for a telephonic conversation to shed light on the squad announced by chief selector Mohammad Wasim on Tuesday.

    Interestingly, Akram backed the squad announced and requested everyone to stop the “harsh criticism on players such as Asif Ali and Azam Khan.”

    When Waseem Badami asked him about Amir, the former cricketer said: “As an ex-cricketer of Pakistan, I would want my country to win. Waqt par gadhay ko bhi baap bana laina chahiye, aggar uski zaroorat hai to usko rakho. [One has to pretend to honour even a fool when in need. If he is needed then he can be included.]”

    He also pointed out one of his good performances in Pakistan Super League (PSL) for Karachi Kings.

    The host pointed out that team can be changed before October 10 and Amir had issues with Waqar Younis and Misbah-ul-Haq and now that they are gone, is there any chance of him to be included in the T20 World Cup Squad? Akram said that there is no time left to review on including Amir in the team. “I think it’s too late for Amir to come back in the squad, in my opinion.”

    Badami insisted that the reason for his (Amir’s) retirement — Misbah and Waqar — are gone and they announced yesterday and now he is announcing about his availability, he can be included in the squad then. Akram said: “I can understand Waseem but the team has been announced now. But we don’t know who will be the new coach and if something exceptional happens and it depends on ifs and buts that which coach will come. Micky Arthur is one of the options and England’s Peter Moores is also a good option.”

    Read More – Misbah, Waqar resign from coaching positions ahead of T20 World Cup

    Meanwhile, the Pakistan One-Day squad alongside support staff members have departed for Islamabad from Lahore via bus. Team manager Mansoor Rana, interim Head Coach Saqlain Mushtaq and Assistant Coach Abdul Razzaq as well as trainer Drikus Saaiman are travelling with the group.

  • ‘Babar Azam firmly behind squad for T20 World Cup’: Wasim Khan

    ‘Babar Azam firmly behind squad for T20 World Cup’: Wasim Khan

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Wasim Khan has brushed aside the notion that skipper Babar Azam is unhappy with the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

    In a statement issued by the PCB, Wasim said that Babar is fully behind the direction of Pakistan cricket.

    “It has come to our notice that factually incorrect reports are circulating about the Pakistan national squad environment. The squad for the upcoming international assignments has been announced and our captain Babar Azam is fully behind the direction that is being taken,” said Wasim.

    “It is important that collectively we get firmly behind the squad so that they have the stability, backing and focus they need prior to going into the ICC T20 World Cup next month,” he added.

    Since the announcement of squad, multiple local media reports had claimed that Babar was unhappy with the team selected for the mega event and had even called Ramiz Raja to express his grievances.

    Read More – Misbah, Waqar resign from coaching positions ahead of T20 World Cup

    Wasim also opened up about the “healthy and positive meeting” between the Pakistan squad and Ramiz Raja, who is likely to be PCB’s next chairman.

    “On Tuesday afternoon, some of the players had a healthy and positive meeting with former Pakistan captain and member of the PCB Board of Governors, Ramiz Raja, in which there was a consensus on the brand of cricket that needs to be played in the upcoming series and beyond,” he concluded.

  • Babar Azam reportedly not happy with Pakistan’s T20 squad selection

    Babar Azam reportedly not happy with Pakistan’s T20 squad selection

    Pakistan captain Babar Azam is reportedly amongst the many who are disappointed with Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) squad selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

    Read More – Pakistan squad for New Zealand, England and ICC T20 World Cup announced

    According to Geo News, the skipper was not informed about the selection of the team for the mega-event.

    Moreover, it was revealed that he is reportedly not pleased with inclusion of Azam Khan and Sohaib Maqsood, who were added by the chief selector after discussion with PCB chairman-in-waiting Ramiz Raja.

    The power-hitter wanted to include Fakhar Zaman and Faheem Ashraf in the team, per the insiders, who added that Babar contacted Raja to discuss the selection but his suggestions fell on deaf ears.

    The report also revealed that the selection of the 15-man squad sent a message to Babar about directing his focus solely on playing rather than selection of the players.

    Babar isn’t the only one who is reportedly dismayed by the players selected for the World Cup. Former skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, who resigned on Monday as the head coach, also had doubts over the selection of Azam Khan.