The Pakistan Cricket Board announced its 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, with reserves yet to be named.
Scheduled to commence on June 1, the T20 World Cup 2024 will be hosted by the USA and the Caribbean. Pakistan’s first match is set for June 6 against the United States at the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Dallas.
The squad selection was confirmed following a two-hour selection committee meeting, attended by Abdul Razzaq, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Bilal Afzal, Gary Kirsten, Mohammad Yousuf, and Wahab Riaz.
Among the 15 players, Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Saim Ayub, and Usman Khan have earned their maiden T20 World Cup call-ups. Meanwhile, Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim return after their last appearances in the 2016 and 2021 tournaments, respectively. The remaining eight players were part of the 2022 event in Australia.
The statement issued by PCB described the squad as “extremely talented and balanced,” comprising a mix of youth and experience. It expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and unity ahead of the tournament.
Regarding Haris Rauf’s fitness, the statement confirmed his full recovery and positive performances in training. Despite missing an outing at Headingley, the management remains optimistic about Rauf’s vital role alongside other strike bowlers in the T20 World Cup.
Pakistan boasts an impressive record in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, having won the 2009 edition under Younis Khan’s captaincy. Additionally, the team reached the finals in 2007 under Shoaib Malik and in 2022 under Babar Azam’s leadership. It has also made semi-final appearances in 2010, 2012, and 2021.
Pakistan Squad:
- Babar Azam (captain)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Azam Khan
- Fakhar Zaman
- Haris Rauf
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Imad Wasim
- Mohammad Abbas Afridi
- Mohammad Amir
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Naseem Shah
- Saim Ayub
- Shadab Khan
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Usman Khan
