Pakistan on Friday (September 22) announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, slated to get underway on October 5 in India.
As expected, young pacer Naseem Shah wasn’t included in the side due to a shoulder injury he sustained in the Asia Cup Super 4 clash against India. Hasan Ali replaced him in the squad.
There were doubts if Shadab Khan will make it to the World Cup squad given his poor form lately but the selectors showed faith in the spin all-rounder.
After the announcement of the squad, former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi opened up on his discussion with under-fire Shadab during the latter's attendance at his daughter's wedding last week.
Notably, Shadab endured a dismal Asia Cup campaign. He scored only 13 runs and picked up six wickets in the continental tournament.
Shadab failed to step up to the plate for his side in the Super-4 stage. He was fairly expensive with the ball against arch-rivals India, conceding 71 runs in his 10 overs and then returned with the figures of 1/55 in his 9 overs against Sri Lanka.
"When you have a fielding and batting coach, and a fast bowling coach is also there, why not a spin bowling coach? Spinners' role is the most important, remember that. Middle-overs are very important, because opposition's main batters are playing at the time. You have to pick wickets and maintain run-rate.
“We haven't had the desired performances there. When Shadab came to the wedding, I talked to him, told him whenever you need help, you have Mushi bhai, you have me. He said, Lala, I wanted to ask you about this. I want to bring you to the camp as well. I said I'm always available for you,” said Afridi.
“The way captain and coach has shown confidence on Shadab, we are also hopeful that he makes a comeback,” he further added.
Besides Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz and Usama Mir are the other spin options in the World Cup squad whereas Shaheen Shah Afridi will spearhead the Pakistan pace attack, also featuring Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim Jr.
Pakistan will open their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on October 6 in Hyderabad.
Pakistan squad for World Cup: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Hasan Ali
(Hindustan Times inputs)
