By Zainab Shafiq 
Pakistan cricket fans are in suspense! The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has delayed announcing the final 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. This comes as the team prepares for tours of Ireland and England, where they’ll play a series of T20 matches.
The PCB recently announced an 18-man squad for the Ireland series, followed by another in England. This is a chance for some new faces to impress and secure a World Cup spot.
- Fast Bowlers Back in the Mix: Look out for pacers Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali, who are returning from injury and domestic success. Hasan hasn’t played T20 internationals since 2022, but his recent Pakistan Super League performances are turning heads.
- Recovering Players Aim for Return: Mohammad Rizwan, Azam Khan, and Irfan Khan are included despite injuries. Their presence highlights their importance and potential impact on upcoming matches.
Selection committee member Wahab Riaz stressed the importance of player fitness before finalizing the World Cup squad. This cautious approach ensures only fully fit players compete in the prestigious tournament.
While some get a second chance, others miss out. Leg-spinner Usama Mir and fast bowler Zaman Khan, who played against New Zealand, are not in the squad. Riaz assured they remain valued players and urged them to keep working hard.
A surprise inclusion is top-order batter Usman Khan, who recently switched allegiance from the Emirates Cricket Board. Despite a five-year ban, he gets a chance to represent Pakistan. Strong performances are crucial to justify his selection.
The wait continues for the final World Cup squad announcement. With key players returning and new faces emerging, Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign promises to be exciting. Stay tuned for further updates!