Shan can play at 4 considering Arthur doesn't want to play Fakhar at 4. That leaves Hafeez at 5 and ideally Malik out of the team. That's not going to happen because of "experience". I don't see place for Shan unless Fakhar is out which I don't think will happen irrespective of how he does because he scored runs in an ICC tournament in England where the world cup is going to be.
After the world cup when Hafeez and Malik retire, Shan and Haris can take their spots with the batting order shuffled. [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION] always wanted Babar to open and there is a merit to that argument but Sharjeel is going to claim that position as well. Imam, if he continues his consistency will take one spot. Fakhar will fight for his spot against Sharjeel unless he plays blinders in the WC.
After WC, at least 3-4 spots will be open - apart from Babar, no one is safe. Sharjeel won't come back strong (definitely not in ODI, might be in T20); Haris is not consistent with fitness, FZ's game is too loose to continue at highest level after his eye betrays (age of 30+), while I am still not convinced with Imam and if his Uncle goes after WC, he'll be vulnerable.
1. Opener
2. Opener
3. Babar (C)
4. Middle order
5. Middle order
6. WK
7. Shadab (Deputy)
8. All-rounder
9. Bowler
10. Hasan
11. Shaheen
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Yes, FZ, Imam & Shan can be two options for openers slot, but my hunch is at most one of them will be there - they'll try a new opener.
For 2 middle order, if he regains fitness, I am 100% sure Umar is coming back for 2023 WC preparation. Another one is open - FS might try his luck at 3 (shifting Babar up)/4. For middle order, I am sure they'll try at least couple of new players - Saud, Saad or any new kid; Haris doesn't have much future after 2019.
I hope, PCB won't make the same blunder with Wkeeping situation and always keep couple of WK ready behind Rizwan, play them odd games/series as well.
Imad is 30+ and not the fittest guy - shouldn't be invested for 2023 WC (but a vital player for next 2 T20 WCS). I am sure, we'll see one new all-rounder - Irfan, Gohar, Ghulam among spinners, Amad, Mohsinor may be a new face (Fahim also is young) among pacers.
Amir should retire after WC from ODI - no way he'll be fit/good enough for 2023 WC, so his realistic focus should be like Imad - next 2 T20 WCs. Here PAK must find a new pacer, preferably a faster one, since the next WC is in IND. Also, they might try 3rd spinner for Asian ODIs - more or less, Amir has not much future after WC
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If PCB follows this formula, PAK won't face this 2015 & 2019 like situation for a WC in IND, where performing respectable is essential beyond just playing a WC.