Pakistan announce squad for T20 World Cup 2021, no place for Sarfaraz Ahmed

Pakistan has announced their squad for the T20 World Cup 2021 in which there is no place for former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed.

The former Pakistan captain had shown good form in PSL 2021 as he had scored 321 runs in 10 matches but he has been ignored by the selectors.

Azam Khan, the 23-year old wicket-keeper batsman, has been included as a backup wicket-keeper to Mohammad Rizwan. Khan made his debut against England earlier in the year but has played only three matches and he is currently playing in the Caribbean Premier League.

The right-hander has a strike rate of 150 in the shortest format of the game and he has been given a chance. On the other hand, Khushdil Shah and Asif Ali, who have impressed in the Pakistan Super League, have been included to end Pakistan’s middle-order woes.

Fakhar Zaman and Sharjeel Khan have also been excluded from the squad but the former has been included in the traveling reserves along with Usman Qadir and Shahnawaz Dahani.

“Asif Ali and Khushdil Shah may not have impressive numbers against their names but hardly anyone can doubt their tremendous talent and prowess,” Chief Selector Muhammad Wasim said after announcing the squad. “They are the best in the available pool of middle-order batsmen and we remain confident that they will provide us solutions to our middle-order difficulties through solid performances.

“Azam Khan is an aggressive and attacking batter who also keeps wickets, a combination that has earned him the selectors’ nod ahead of Sarfaraz Ahmed. Mohammad Wasim Junior has been preferred over Faheem Ashraf due to his pace and ability to hit big shots.

“Fakhar Zaman, Shahnawaz Dahani and Usman Qadir were unlucky to miss out on the selections. Sohaib Maqsood’s ability to bat and perform anywhere in the top-order has given him an edge over Fakhar, while the presence of three experienced spinners, who are also capable batters, and five genuine wicket-taking fast bowlers made it difficult for Usman Qadir to get into the side,” he added.

T20 World Cup squad: Babar Azam (C), Shadab Khan (VC), Asif Alil, Azam Khan, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Junior, Shaheen Afridi, Sohaib Maqsood.

Travelling reserves:Usman Qadir, Fakhar Zaman, Shahnawaz Dahani