Lahore (NNP) The Pakistan Cricket Board’s selection committee has announced an 18-member squad for the recently concluded T20 series against Ireland and the upcoming series against England. With 20 teams vying for the T20 World Cup 2024 title, Pakistan remains the only team yet to finalize its 15-member squad for the tournament.
The selection committee plans to reduce the squad to the required 15 players after the first T20I against England, scheduled to be held in Leeds on May 22, meeting the ICC’s May deadline.
Notably, Haris Rauf, Usman Khan, Irfan Khan Niazi, Abrar Ahmed, and Salman Ali Agha were absent from the Ireland series. Hassan Ali, who surprisingly played only one match, is currently recovering from an injury. Haris Rauf, if fully fit, is expected to secure his spot in the final squad for the World Cup. Abrar Ahmed is also a strong contender for the World Cup team, while Agha Salman and Hasan Ali are being considered as reserve players. Either Irfan Khan Niazi or Usman Khan will join them as traveling reserves.
Pakistan finds itself in Group A for the World Cup, alongside arch-rival India, as well as Ireland, Canada, and the USA. As the final squad announcement approaches, fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate the lineup that will represent Pakistan on the world stage.
