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Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi Return as Pakistan Names T20 World Cup Squad

Pakistan has announced its squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, with star batsman Babar Azam and pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi making their return. In a surprising move, fast bowler Haris Rauf, despite good recent form, has been left out of the 15-man squad. Six players, including captain Salman Ali Agha, have received their first call-ups to a major tournament for Pakistan. The 2009 champions are placed in Group A alongside India, the Netherlands, the USA, and Namibia.

Key Points: Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad: Babar, Afridi Return, Rauf Dropped

  • Babar Azam & Shaheen Afridi return
  • Haris Rauf omitted from 15-man squad
  • Six players get maiden mega-event call-ups
  • Pakistan in Group A with India, Netherlands
2 min read

Babar, Afridi return; Rauf dropped as Pakistan name T20 WC squad

Pakistan announces T20 World Cup squad with Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi back. Haris Rauf omitted. Full squad details and group stage fixtures.

"a final decision on their T20 World Cup participation would be made after talking to government - PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi"

Lahore, Jan 25

Pakistan on Sunday announced the Salman Agha-led squad for the ICC T20 World Cup, which will be played in India and Sri Lanka from February 7, with the veteran duo Babar Azam and pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi making a return.

Having recently become the all-time leading run-getter in Men's T20Is, Babar Azam adds rich experience to the Pakistan batting lineup, while pacer Haris Rauf, who has performed well in the ongoing Big Bash League, having taken 20 wickets in just 11 matches, has been omitted from the 15-man squad.

Skipper Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan and Usman Tariq have received their maiden mega-event call-ups to the Pakistan squad. Meanwhile, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan and Usman Khan have played in at least one or more editions of the tournament since 2021.

Pakistan boasts a strong batting lineup, which includes the likes of Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, and Sahibzada Farhan. In the absence of Rauf, Pakistan have relied on Afridi and Naseem Shah in their pace unit.

There is also a strong presence of all-rounders in the squad, with the likes of Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz providing multiple options with the bat and ball.

The 2009 winner are slotted in Group A alongside co-hosts and defending champions India, the Netherlands, the USA and Namibia. They will kickstart their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground.

Pakistan's squad announcement comes just a day after the PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi said a final decision on their T20 World Cup participation would be made after talking to government.

squad:

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) Usman Tariq.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
As an Indian fan, I just hope the political tensions don't overshadow the cricket. A India-Pakistan match in a World Cup is always a spectacle. Wishing all teams the best! 🇮🇳🤝🇵🇰
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Aman W
The squad looks decent on paper, but the real test will be in the group stage against India. Our boys (Team India) are in fantastic form. Pakistan will have to bring their A-game. Can't wait for that match! 💪
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Sarah B
Interesting selection. So many new faces getting their first call-up for a mega event. That's a lot of pressure on the youngsters. Salman Agha as captain is also a big responsibility. Hope they perform well.
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Vikram M
The article mentions they might still pull out after talking to the government? That would be a shame for the tournament and the fans. Cricket should be kept separate from politics, yaar.
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Karthik V
Their batting looks solid with Babar, Fakhar, and the young Saim Ayub. But the middle order and the wicketkeeping options seem a bit untested at this level. Our Indian spinners could exploit that. 🏏

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