Looking forward: Pakistan's next T20I squad

[MMHS]

Today, probably isn't the best day but I think now time has come to take tough calls. If this is not the time, then I doubt when should we discuss future. PAK's next T20 series is against us, at home (UAE), and we'll be without Shakib, probably couple others as well and BCB will try few new faces (pacers) for sure, considering the WC 2020 qualifiers in AUS and we can't go there with a plan to bowl 14 overs spin. Trying out 3.5 darters (2 of them SLAO, we have in dozens there) will be quite effective against this PAK batting talent, but for the bigger perspectives, it's a lose-lose call, BCB won't take that for sure.

PAK, simply can't afford to lose that series, because it'll have a long term negative impact - PCB & PCT will lose major chunk of sponsors, if so. I was thinking a T20 squad for next series, majority of whom should make the WC squad in 8 months time. I have watched some parts of National T20, and most of PAK's recent heroics against SRL reserves and against Aussies as well. I don't think, the way Misbah and his selectors are thinking is going to work and PAK will struggle to win the series even against a depleted BD side, particularly in Asia ...... WC 2020 SF in AUS is a long, long .... long shot.

For AUS WC, PAK must play 3 pacers and at least one genuine spinner, preferably a leggi, and another spinner + 5 batsmen and a WK that can bat. Excluding unpopular choices like Irfan & Kamran, this is probably what we can think of

Openers: Babar will open, so we need couple of openers to partner him, preferably lefti. My choice are Umer Amin as 1st choice opener and other one between Imam & Ahsan Ali - I go for Ahsan. I have backed Fakher long enough, but he has stressed the elasticity beyond breaking point.

Middle order: The bitter truth is that PAK doesn't have a single middle order to dominate game from 3-4-5. Haris isn'r fit enough physically and skill wise to bat at 4, rest are even worse and I don't want to call back Hafeez, Malik - that'll be ultimate surrender to own bankruptcy. My 4 middle orders are Iftekhar, Kushdil, Talat and Umar Akmal. I know, the last guy isn't popular enough, but he is still 29, still can make a turn around. He was poor against SRL, but after watching Haris show in AUS, can't help much. His another purpose is 2nd WK.

All-rounder: I'll pick all-rounders on their ability to bowl 4 overs, no half measures will work. PAK can't operate with compromised 40% overs with ball. I think, if he is fit enough, Imad should be in plan till 2021 WC, his back up should be Gohar. I'll pick 1 pace bowling all-rounders - Amad Butt; options are limited and guy is performing.

WK: It might happen that Umar Akmal keeps wicket, but still they'll need a regular keeper in squad - I'll take Bismillah.

Spinner: Since Imad/Gohar is there, and Iftekhar can bowl Off-spin, this spot must go to a leggi. Not sure whom to pick beyond Shadab and Shadab might return back for WC, but for BD Series, I'll definitely pick a new leggi - Zahid Mehmood, his T20 stats are excellent.

Pacer: Amir makes it easily, I'll keep Shaheen as well - which means the other 2 has to be right armers. I'll pick Sameen Gul and one of Naseem or Hasnain (Probably Naseem).

So the squad:

1. *Babar
2. Amin
3. Bismillah+
4. Umar Akmal
5. Kushdil/Talat
6. Iftekhar
7. Imad
8. Amad
9. Amir
10. Zahid
11. Shaheen/Naseem/Sameen
----------------------------------
15. Ahsan
16. Gohar


Discuss ................

 

[Savak]

T-20 is Mickey Mouse Cricket, yes losing sucks and does not feel good but Pakistan needs to use the format especially the billateral T-20 games to build up its bench strength like the rest of the world does.

ODI and Test matches are the real deal

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Amazing squad. No objections.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

T-20 is Mickey Mouse Cricket, yes losing sucks and does not feel good but Pakistan needs to use the format especially the billateral T-20 games to build up its bench strength like the rest of the world does.

ODI and Test matches are the real deal

Agreed completely.

 

[Rayyman]

Agree about Amin and Ahsan.

None of the WK in Pakistan look fit for international cricket. Including Bismillah. I do not think he should be in the team let alone batting at #3.

I have no idea about Umar Akmal.

Iftikhar has earned a promotion to #4/5 in T20Is. #6/7 position is more for players who can score 35/40 at 200 SR. Iftikhar showed in Australia that he can score 50+ scores.

Agree about Khushdil and Talat.

I'm not sure about Imad. He lacks fitness and his bowling is part-time level in Australia. His batting alone is not good enough to be in the team.

Amad Butt looks a good prospect but he should play Test cricket first. I'll pick Aamer Yamin for a fast bowling all-rounder.

Zafar Gohar should also be tried in Test matches first. I don't want him to turn into a darter. Anyways, spinner is not so important right now.

For pacers, I agree about Amir and Shaheen, but Sameen Gul is not a T20 bowler. His economy rate is one of the highest in PSL history. Naseem is another guy who I don't want to be ruined in T20s. I would go with two of Shinwari, Rauf and Hasnain. Haris Rauf is a complete bowler who's debut is way overdue. Apparently he isn't well-mannered enough for Misbah. Hasnain might struggle against AUS/ENG/SA, but he is in the team as the minnow-basher. And he will learn with international experience. Shinwari gives his 100% and can swing the new ball at pace. Plus, he has BBL experience.

So I'd just change your squad slightly and make it this:

Babar*
Bismillah+
Amin
Akmal
Iftikhar
Khushdil
Imad
Leggie
Amir
Shaheen
Rauf
------------------
Talat
Shinwari
Ahsan

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Actually we should recall Kami for the experience. This team needs some experience.

 

[hitthestump]

Shoaib and Hafeez will come back.

As mediocre as they are, at least they aren't bad. And Pakistan are currently bad

 

[another drop catch]

Umar Amin
Babar Azam
Hussain Talat
Umar Akmal (wk)
Iftikhar Ahmed
Kushdil Shah
Ammad butt
Imad Wasim
Mohd Aamer
Hasnain khan
Shaheen Shah Afridi
------------reserves-----------
Kamran Akmal
Ahsan Ali
Shoaib Malik
Mir Usama
Mohd Musa

 

[Hasan123]

I can get behind this team. Wouldn’t be good enough to win the World T20 due to that middle order but would be good to watch.

 

[aloo paratha]

Babar
Bismillah Khan(WK)
Hussain Talat
Shoaib Malik
Iftikhar
Khushdil Shah
Amad Butt
Imad Wasim
Hasnain
Amir
Umer Khan/ Zahid Mahmood

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Recipe for disaster.

 

[Captain caveman]

Sorry but after watching pakistans last 2 t20 series, i have decided our only remote chance in nexts years world t20 is to go back to the good old ttf:

Kamran akmal(wk)
Shajeel khan
Babar*
Umar akmal
Ifti
Hafeez
Fakhar zaman
Amir
Ehsan adil
Haris rauf
Umer khan

 

[Plumb]

I saw the name Umar Akmal....and I couldn't believe some fans can be this delusional. Fact is we will struggle for the next 10 years unless we produce good cricketers are under 16 under 19 level.

Those countries who prepare players at the younger age will succeed in coming years. We have a machine called PSL where we see flashy player or a mediocre spinner or a 150kph bowlers and we say there... we got the player. It doesn't work that way.

Fact is for the last 15-20 years we didn't invest in our grassroot level cricket, We didn't identify players at 14/15/16 yrs of age. We only saw Babar who is a natural talent (just like any our past stars). Unless we pick players and groom them its going to be tough ask.

These days teams are working with analysts to figure out new shots, new deliveries, new ways to catch the ball and Pakistan on the other hand not able to play pacers as well as not able to pick a wrong one. Seriously??? How can we make the T20/ODI or test team when our players not able to play basic cricket.. I am sorry but Our team will disapoint us over an over again unless we invest now then after 10 years those players will be ready and win you matches... great example is Babar, but one person won't be able to win you matches.

 

[Square Drive]

What's everyone's obsession with Amin? He's too mentally fragile. I would've been down to try him as opener in ODIs but not T20Is with the WC nearing.

I'd go:

Babar*
Imam (Sharjeel/Ahsan come in for WT20 based on PSL show)
Talat
Rizwan (he was bound to fail against AUS in AUS - give him another chance)
Iftikhar
Khushdil
Imad
Shadab/Zafar
Amir
Shaheen
Rauf

Bench:

Zafar/Shadab, Saif, Yamin, Hasnain

 

[Professor]

I am ok with this current team but ideally I think we need at least fourchanges.

Sarfaraz for Rizwan
Amad Butt for Irfan
Yamin for Riaz
Zafar for Qadir

 

[Chokli]

LOL @ all of you thinking Umar Amin is the savior is our batting line up

 

[ahmedzee]

Sarfaraz needs to be back as Captain. Make Babar vice Captain in all formats and let him develop his game. Sarfaraz as captain was working.

Ideally I would like someone like Malik too. I know he is done in ODI, but in T20 he is still very good.
Hasnain should be no where close to the team anymore. His time is up. Imam and Haris are not T20 material and Rizwan isn't either. If Sharjeel is fit, bring him in.

 

[Extra_Cover]

I'm writing this post as its past high time that Pakistan takes a strong and good call with respect to its T20 squad as the next big cricket tournament is T20 WC and everyone has already started giving shape to its WC squad unlike Pakistan. I would like to see the following squad given consistent chances till world cup.

1. Babar
2. Amin (had a very good T20 tournament, lefty, can play accumulator too and compliment Babar well).
3. Abid Ali (I know he is unfit and not popular, but the guy has very strong backfoot game which will be crucial in WC).
4. Iftikhar (cemented his place after this series)
5. Umar Akmal (has too keep wickets, if not doesn't play)
6. Asif Ali (no matter how much I dislike him for his brainless batting, he is the cleanest striker in our domestic circuit at the moment, someone needs to talk sense to him).
7. Imad Wasim
8. Shadab Khan
9. Amad Butt
10. Mohammad Aamir
11. Shaheen Shah

Reserves:
1. Rizwan (need a specialist keeper in squad)
2. Faheem Ashraf (Again another not so popular choice but he was spearheading our pace department when Pakistan was at top of the rankings).
3. Fakhar (keep with squad, match practice means nothing to him so can be called up and can fire, he is unpredictable)
4. Musa (backup pacer, can replace Shadab depending on wickets)

The above squad is the strongest that I could possibly muster for T20. Shame that our batting reserves are really running dry at the moment. I know its difficult to expect but I need this new domestic system to start churning out good players at earliest, its really the need of the hour at the moment.

 

[hadi123]

For the Bangladesh series (hopefully it is in Pakistan and not UAE), we need a lot of changes. This would be my squad

1) Babar Azam (C)
2) Aamer Yamin - replace him for Asif. I feel Yamin can be groomed as a proper finisher, rather than just a bowler capable of a few lusty blows
3) Amad Butt - Musa isn't ready for internationals and Amad has been very consistent for a while - play him as a bowler
4) Ahsan Ali - don't want to see Fakhar
5) Awais Zia - another opening option
6) Iftikhar Ahmed
7) Imad Wasim
8) Khushdil Shah - deserves a chance
9) Mohammad Amir
10) Mohammad Hasnain
11) Mohammad Rizwan (WK) - may as well stick with him
12) Shadab Khan - bowled good in the one game he bowled in
13) Shaheen Afridi - should walk straight back in
14) Umar Amin - he didn't do too badly in his last Pakistan game and has done well in Nat T20 - Haris had an awful Nat T20 cup and Aus Series
15) Wahab Riaz - bowled poorly in the 2nd T20I but was good in the SL series + his batting is a bonus. He can be good for us in the WT20
16) Zahid Mahmood - he was better than Usman Qadir in Nat T20 cup

As with every future hypothetical squad I post, once again it's worth noting that 1-2 months is a long time so maybe one or two players would come into reckoning.

1) Babar Azam (C)
2) Awais Zia - can be interchanged with Ahsan, not actually sure how many T20s there will be
3) Umar Amin - he was quite versatile position wise
4) Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
5) Iftikhar Ahmed
6) Aamer Yamin - he can be useful at 6
7) Imad Wasim
8) Amad Butt
9) Mohammad Amir
10) Shaheen Afridi
11) Zahid Mahmood - give him a go, we need to experiment ahead of the World T20

 

[Rana]

Babar needs to bat at 3.

 

[Abdullah]

Babar needs to bat at 3.

No way bro. Totally wrong. If he faces 6 balls in powerplay he will get 2 boundaries away at least, outside the powerplay is harder for him

 

[nextover666666]

I would use t20 to try to bring some changes and see what potential we have and also try to get some form and prepare for t20 World Cup

1 Babar Azam (c)
2 Haidar Ali
3 Umar Amin

4) Rohail Nazar ( wk)
5) Iftikhar Ahmed
6) Hussian Talat
7) Fakhar Zaman ( use him for lower order )
8) Adil Amin
9) Sohail Akhtar

8) Umer Khan
9) Zafar Gohar
10) Imad Wasim

11) M Amir
12) Rumman Raees
13 ) Aamer Yamin
14) Haris Rauf
15) Shaheen Shah Afridi
16) Mohammad Hasnain

 

[hussain.r97]

As much as it pains me to say this, Umar Akmal should probably be back in the team. Reason? Rizwan and Sarfraz are liabilities in T20 cricket, Rohail Nazir is too young and is yet to make his mark, Bismillah Khan doesn't impress, and Kamran Akmal is too old. Who's the only viable wicketkeeper batsman left? Umar Akmal. He's not going to come in and play 10 (12) type innings, he will either go for 1 (2) or he'll get you a useful quickfire 30+ score, and he is fully capable of playing pace and bounce in Australia.

Also need to get rid of all these players who are incapable of playing bounce, Haris, Asif, and Rizwan simply do not belong at this level. We absolutely must fast track Sharjeel Khan back into the team. He's been out for over 2 years, and need him to gain some form back as soon as possible, he can easily still serve Pakistan for another 5 years if he can bring his game back to 2017 levels. He is a must for the World T20 because he's aggressive and is brilliant on the pull and cut, perfect foil for Babar.

Hussain Talat also makes the team, not because he's outstanding, but because he's superior to Haris Sohail in this form of the game. Amir Yamin and Amad Butt slot into the lower middle order because they're both very handy lower order bats, while Amad is a decent right arm pacer. I'd also like to see Umer Khan in as a specialist spinner, he looks tailor made for this format and was very impressive for Karachi Kings. I like Shadab Khan, but don't see a spot for him in the WT20 starting XI on current form, while Imad Wasim doesn't bring any value in Australian conditions.

Sharjeel Khan
Babar Azam*
Hussain Talat
Umar Akmal+
Iftikhar Ahmed
Amir Yamin
Amad Butt
Umer Khan
Mohammad Amir
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Nasim Shah

Bench - Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Sameen Gul, Rumman Raees, Imam ul Haq, Khushdil Shah.

 

[Rayyman]

What's everyone's obsession with Amin? He's too mentally fragile. I would've been down to try him as opener in ODIs but not T20Is with the WC nearing.

I'd go:

Babar*
Imam (Sharjeel/Ahsan come in for WT20 based on PSL show)
Talat

Umar Amin is a very good back-foot player which is needed in Australia.

He showed this not only in PSL'19, but also the recently concluded National T20 Cup where he was the 2nd leading run scorer and played a match-winning innings in the final.

https://youtu.be/uWbU8j_YBHs

https://youtu.be/xwrN6Xe1FPU

Idk what you mean by mentally fragile.

He was also unfairly dropped from the T20I team and deserves selection on merit.

Imam ul-Haq is not a T20I player yet. His scoring against the short stuff is very poor. Recently Jofra Archer and Lockie Ferguson have humiliated him, but today it was Kane Richardson of all people.

Talat is similar to Imam that he does not have enough strokes vs pace to bat in the top order.

Agree about Ahsan and Sharjeel, both are good back-foot players and should get opportunities in domestic cricket.

Rizwan Hussain is another guy who pulls well and can loft it vs pace. A young Sharjeel.

You need guys who can pull and cut well because WI knocked out PAK of this WC this way and it was exposed again in this series. Fakhar, Imam and Haris were all found out.

 

[Boiz Played Well]

No way bro. Totally wrong. If he faces 6 balls in powerplay he will get 2 boundaries away at least, outside the powerplay is harder for him

I definitely see what you mean. But most aggressive openers or stroke players should be able to score boundaries with only 2 fielders at the fence. And if Babar comes down at 3 it gives us more choices elsewhere. As in it’s relatively easier right now for Pakistan to find an opener than a middle order batsman. If Babar goes one down, we can push the rest of the order down by one.

 

[Mamoon]

We have to be honest with ourselves - Kamran is still by far our best aggressive option at the top in T20 cricket. Yes he is old, but he continuously outperforms his competition.

Misbah needs to make a deal with him. He gets picked for the two World T20s in the next two years and then announces his retirement from international cricket and stops clamoring for a return.

Rizwan is a good player and a clear improvement on Sarfraz, but it is not possible to accommodate him in the T20 lineup.

Amin is a fine touch player but he won’t add anything to this lineup that it currently lacks.

 

[Mamoon]

Furthermore, Kamran’s keeping has rarely cost Pakistan in T20s. He has the fitness and the concentration to not make glaring errors over 20 overs on flat pitches.

Him firing in the first 4-5 overs can be the difference between a 150 and a 180 total.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

I think they should try Haider Ali and Umair Yousuf in T20s. Both are aggressive and can play pace bowling really well.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

Umar Akmal should be trained as a keeper and tell him not to play any aerial shots till he reach a 30 score, clear cut instructions.

 

[szundercover]

Furthermore, Kamran’s keeping has rarely cost Pakistan in T20s. He has the fitness and the concentration to not make glaring errors over 20 overs on flat pitches.

Him firing in the first 4-5 overs can be the difference between a 150 and a 180 total.

It looks like you care for Pakistan cricket...

 

[Abdullah Rabbani]

I saw the name Umar Akmal....and I couldn't believe some fans can be this delusional. Fact is we will struggle for the next 10 years unless we produce good cricketers are under 16 under 19 level.

Those countries who prepare players at the younger age will succeed in coming years. We have a machine called PSL where we see flashy player or a mediocre spinner or a 150kph bowlers and we say there... we got the player. It doesn't work that way.

Fact is for the last 15-20 years we didn't invest in our grassroot level cricket, We didn't identify players at 14/15/16 yrs of age. We only saw Babar who is a natural talent (just like any our past stars). Unless we pick players and groom them its going to be tough ask.

These days teams are working with analysts to figure out new shots, new deliveries, new ways to catch the ball and Pakistan on the other hand not able to play pacers as well as not able to pick a wrong one. Seriously??? How can we make the T20/ODI or test team when our players not able to play basic cricket.. I am sorry but Our team will disapoint us over an over again unless we invest now then after 10 years those players will be ready and win you matches... great example is Babar, but one person won't be able to win you matches.

Agree with you, Some People Suggesting Name Of Umar Amin, Talat And Ahsan Ali, I Think They Don't Now How To Check Players Record On Internet,

 

[Abdullah Rabbani]

I think they should try Haider Ali and Umair Yousuf in T20s. Both are aggressive and can play pace bowling really well.

These Both Have Poor T20 Record, Is Criteria To Select A Player Is Nothing For You

 

[Abdullah Rabbani]

Besides recycling of poor players in t20 , we need to select players on criteria of average and strike rate.

Sharjeel Khan
Babar Azam C
Rizwan Hussain
Iftikhar Ahmed
Kamran Akmal WK
Umar Akmal / Shoiab Malik
Amir Yamin
Zafar Goher
Shaheen Afridi
Hassan Ali / Haris Rauf
Junaid Khan / M Amir

This Squad Is Based On Criteria Not On Fluke Inning In A Life Time

 

[Mamoon]

It looks like you care for Pakistan cricket...

I don’t. Just giving my honest advice without caring.

 

[zain7077]

We have to be honest with ourselves - Kamran is still by far our best aggressive option at the top in T20 cricket. Yes he is old, but he continuously outperforms his competition.

Misbah needs to make a deal with him. He gets picked for the two World T20s in the next two years and then announces his retirement from international cricket and stops clamoring for a return.

Rizwan is a good player and a clear improvement on Sarfraz, but it is not possible to accommodate him in the T20 lineup.

Amin is a fine touch player but he won’t add anything to this lineup that it currently lacks.

Why not Sharjeel over Kami?

 

[hadi123]

I think Haris Rauf should be there. Instead of Wahab Riaz perhaps in my squad posted above. He's earnt it with his good efforts in BBL

 

[imshally81]

Top 3 Should be....

Babar
Sharjeel
Fakhar Zaman...

 

[Officer Barbrady]

Most of the squads look pretty good on here. Here’s what I’d go with based on what we’ve seen thus far:

1. Sharjeel Khan
2. Babar Azam
3. M Rizwan (his batting is only useful if he’s top order)
4. Iftikhar
5. Kushdil Shah
6. Asif Ali
7. Imad Wasim
8. Shadab Khan
9. M Amir
10. Naseem Shah
11. M Husnain
12. Shaheen Shah (could be in starting 11 in place of one of the quicks if he does well in the format in upcoming games)
13. Abid Ali (back up opener)
14. Rizwan Hussain (back up middle order)
15. Back up spinner. (Umer Khan perhaps?)
16. Back up all rounder (pace bowling allrounder could replace Imad in the 11. Maybe Amad Butt?)

Other contenders if they perform well over the next few months: Fakhar (reserve opener), Haris Rauf and hopeful a spinner that impresses and Faheem if he’s back to his best

 

[Greenstorm]

From another thread,

There is no hope under Misbah (hopefuly, he won't survive that long). We will surely exit in first round but no harm in khyali pulao.

We need batsmen who are strong on the backfoot and can play cuts and pulls on hard bouncy Australian tracks. We should get rid of Rizwan asap. Khushdil will be useless in Australia.

1) Sharjeel Khan (He MUST play in Australia)
2) Babar Azam
3) Zeeshan Malik (He is not even in PSL so we will be without our best batsman after Babar)
4) Rohail Nazir(I didn't used to rate him before but he is growing on me)
5) Iftikhar Ahmed
6) Umar Akmal (you can't be in Australia/SA without him)
7) Zafar Gohar (His control on flight and loop will be far more useful in big Australian grounds as
compared to Shadab, not to mention his superior powerhitting capability)
8) Imad/Umer Khan (depends upon their form, alternatives, opposition etc)
9) Harris Rauf (His batting stance is decent, can play big shots like Wahab)
10) Shaheen
11) Amir/Nasim

14) Ammad/Shadab
15) Zeeshan Ashra

 

[Glen Durrant fan]

Guys we can't just pick loads of new guys or none of them will realise any potential. Some guys deserve to stay in, so therefore i'd pick:

1) Babar Azam (C)
2) Sharjeel Khan (see how it goes)
3) Kamran Akmal (W) (finally deserves another chance)
4) Iftikhar Ahmed (good performance down under)
5) Umar Akmal (great form and lots of hunger to be back)
6) Asif Ali (starting to pick up again and big talent)
7) Imad Wasim (good performances recently for Pakistan)
8) Shadab Khan (good form)
9) Wahab Riaz (great form in BPL)
10) Mohammad Amir (good form)
11) Haris Rauf (great form in the big bash and huge talent)

Bench:
12) Fakhar Zaman (some chances on the bench)
13) Khushdil Shah (good finishing potential)
14) Hasan Ali (see how he is on return)
15) Shaheen Afridi / Mohammad Irfan (talent or good form)

 

[Glen Durrant fan]

Completely forgot Shoaib Malik, who is performing very well in the BPL with bat and ball after lighting up the CPL in very difficult batting conditions when the team were badly struggling, so i'd have him at 4 with Umar and Ifti at 5 and 6, Asif replacing Khushdil on the bench.

 

[King_Kohli]

what Asif Ali doing?
Gone case?

 

[Sher Khan]

Furthermore, Kamran’s keeping has rarely cost Pakistan in T20s. He has the fitness and the concentration to not make glaring errors over 20 overs on flat pitches.

Him firing in the first 4-5 overs can be the difference between a 150 and a 180 total.

Indeed, Kamran and Sharjeel could be a deadly combo for us. And imagine Haris Rauf firing in 150 kph yorkers at the death. Bowling at the death, and maximizing the batting power play is the way to win the World t20.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Kamran (wk) , Sharjeel,.Babar, Iftikhar, Khushdil, Umar Akmal, Imad Wasim, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Amir, Hasnain could be pretty good.

 

[shamaan]

Kamran akmal
Sharjeel
Babar
Iftikhar
Umar akmal
Khushdil shah
Imad
Shadab
Amir
Shaheen
Rauf

 

[Ryw]

Not sure about Our T20 batsmen but our strength which is bowling is Mashallah looking very nice
M Amir
S Shah
W Riaz
N Shah
H Rauf
M Hassnain

A very healthy bowling competition

 

[aloo paratha]

Fakhar
Sharjeel
Babar
Ifti
Bismillah Khan/Rohail Nazir (if he has a good PSL)
Khushdil Shah
Imad Wasim
Wahab/Hasan Ali/Mohammad Amir
Shaheen Afridi
Haris Rauf
Umer Khan

 

[CricketDon]

Babar (C)
Sharjeel
Fakhar
Haris
Umar Akmal (WK)
Ifti
Imad
Shadab
Amir
Afridi
Naseem

A mixture of firepower, anchors and finishers. Alongside pace, swing and spin. Alongside two handy all rounders.

 

[MMHS]

I think, I'll have to update this thread after PSL, because apart from Babar, and may be Amir, I am not sure others are assured of a PAK spot for WC. Also, we must remember that the WC is in AUS, players stats from mostly UAE (And PAK/ZIM) based stats hardly matters much.

This year in BPL, I can see they are deliberately promoting local players - almost every team is using 1-2-3 local players, couple of local pacers and all 7 WKs are local. I think, this PSL, PCB also should force something similar, may be behind doors. BUT, the most critical part of preparation MUST have to be the wickets - PSL wickets have to have lot, lot, lot more carry & bounce than usual PAK tracks, so that players are accustomed to play back-foot shots against pace..... and spinners also learn the length of bowling on true wickets.

 

[Subhan999]

Babar
Sharjeel
Fakhar (wk)
Asif
Faheem
Khushdil
Ifthikar
Imad / Shadab
Amir
Rauf/Naseem/Hasnain/Musa/Amaad
Shaheen

 

[coy0607]

Not sure about Our T20 batsmen but our strength which is bowling is Mashallah looking very nice
M Amir
S Shah
W Riaz
N Shah
H Rauf
M Hassnain

A very healthy bowling competition

Those are the primary guys, then you also have Hasan Ali, Usman Shinwari, Faheem Ashraf, Amad Butt on the fringe. Should be some great competition

 

[Abdullah]

Umar should be told to focus on his keeping for the next 8 months.
Let him go out at number 4 and have a slog.

I think we have to chance it

Babar
Sharjeel
Asif
Umer
Iftikhar
Malik
Imad
Shadab
Haris
Amir
Shaheen/Hasan

 

[Lfc4life786]

Sharjeel
Babar
Talat
Ifthikar
Rizwan
Khushdil
Imad
Shadab
Amad butt
Shaheen
Haris rauf

Bench:
U.Akmal
Asif
Amir
Nasim
Zafar gohar

 

[gazza619]

Wow i am seeing some really terrible squads here. Sharjeel needs to score 2 billion tons of runs in domestic before he gets another look. And if see anybody picking Asif Ali again, i will be taking their name off my good books.

 

[sshakir411]

1. Sharjeel
2. Fakhar
3. Babar
4. Rizwan+
5. Iftikhar Ahmed
6. Asif Ali
7. Imad
8. Shadab
9. Amir
10. Harris Rauf
11. Wahab

 

[bizenjo]

1. Mukhtar
2. Babar
3. Talat
4. Rizwan (WK)
5. Khushdil
6. Iftikhar
7. Imad
8. Shadab
9. Wahab
10. Amir
11. Rauf

12. Faizan (Depends on PSL)
13. Amad
14. Zafar
15. Shaheen

This is all dependent on the PSL, who knows? Faizan, Rizwan Hussain, Raja Farzan, Zeeshan etc might all perform.

The only reason I chose Mukhtar is because I can no longer cope with Fakhar's first class ticket to the team, which he doesn't deserve. Mukhtar's power hitting at a SR of around 140 is genuinely terrifying. We also don't have openers that are exceptional apart from Babar (Sharjeel is untested).

Musa and Hasnain are dreadfully overrated, both expensive bowlers who lack control. Rauf and Shaheen are 2 better options.

 

[Bewal Express]

The batting looks awful except for Babar. What's worse is that the alternatives are even worse.

 

[Boi]

Really need Zeeshan Ashraf to have a good PSL otherwise our batting is going to look pretty awful.

 

[barah_admi]

Too many wholesale changes for untested domestic cricketers. Pakistan doesn't need to reinvent the wheel. Just a year ago they were t20 titans and a lot of the players can and should stay the same. A squad of 15 could be :

1. Babar c
2. Fakhar
3. Abid
4. Rizwan wk
5. Asif Ali
6. Imad
7. Shadab
8. In form place bowling all rounder
9. Second keeper/bat?
10. Amir
11. Hasnain
12. Hasan Ali if fit
13. Shinwari
14. Haris Rauf
15. Gohar/khan/nawaz

 

[bizenjo]

The batting looks awful except for Babar. What's worse is that the alternatives are even worse.

And who did you have in mind?

You want Zaman?
You want Asif?
You want Sharjeel?

These are example of players that can only hit big. We saw Zaman and Asif in Australia, and they were as useful as a dead animal.

What's worse is that we don't have a WK apart from Rizwan. Don't bother suggesting of the Akmal players, they're jokes, or the untested Rohail or Bismillah.

Shaheen, Amad and Zafar are 3 very talented players in the T20 format while Faizan has the PSL to make a name for himself.

 

[Bewal Express]

And who did you have in mind?

You want Zaman?
You want Asif?
You want Sharjeel?

These are example of players that can only hit big. We saw Zaman and Asif in Australia, and they were as useful as a dead animal.

What's worse is that we don't have a WK apart from Rizwan. Don't bother suggesting of the Akmal players, they're jokes, or the untested Rohail or Bismillah.

Shaheen, Amad and Zafar are 3 very talented players in the T20 format while Faizan has the PSL to make a name for himself.

It doesn't matter, these guys are all useless in T20. It doesn't who you pick or don't, they are all average to terrible.

 

[bizenjo]

It doesn't matter, these guys are all useless in T20. It doesn't who you pick or don't, they are all average to terrible.

Ok hotshot, how about you make a team?

Amaze me.

 

[Bullet Drive]

Babar Azam
Sharjeel
Fakhar Zaman
Umar Akmal(wk)
Shoaib Malik
Iftikhar Ahmed
Shadab Khan
Amad Butt
Mohammed Amir
Shaheen Afridi
Haris Rauf

Saif Badar
Khushdil Shah
Imad Wasim
Naseem Shah

My 15. I believe it is perfect, and a team capable of winning the World Cup.

Of course it all depends on PSL, but this team is a solid 11.
[MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION] your thoughts please.

The only one I am dubious about is Khushdil, I don't rate him, but I want a leftie in the middle order.

 

[Bullet Drive]

My team covers all basis

You have 2 right arm pacers. One with away swing. One who is brilliant at death. Amad Butt has one of the best t20 strike rates of all time.

Amad Butt
Haris Rauf.


Then you have two left arm pacers.

Amir
Shaheen.

You have a leg-spinner in Shadab.

Have a off-spinner in Iftikhar and Malik.

Left arm spin in Fakhar(under utilised)

Keeper batsman who can bat and score at a decent t20 rate(Umar Akmal)

We will win the tournament with this team.

 

[bizenjo]

For the love of all that is Holy, can people stop suggesting Umar Akmal and Fakhar Zaman?

Umar Akmal flopped MASSIVELY against SL. Never in my life have I ever seen anyone perform that bad in a T20 series. I have no hope for him. Too many chances squandered. Same goes for Ahmed Shehzad. Rizwan is probably our best choice for wicketkeeper: agile, fit and can actually play a decent knock, as seen in the National T20 Cup.

Fakhar Zaman has had the biggest fall from grace I have ever seen. Spent 2017 and 2018 slaughtering the opposition, but in 2019 he was just a walking wicket. He gets out ridiculously, as seen against South Africa ans Afghanistan in the World Cup and the chances of him actually performing are minimal right now due to his poor form.

I did put Mukhtar Ahmed forward due to his immense strike rate, but of course he will not get selected due to the limited chances he gets. Our selectors are too intent on using the PSL rather than the domestic leagues.

If the PSL goes well, this could open up chances for players such as Rizwan Hussain, Muhammad Faizan, Mohammad Mohsin, Raja Farzan, Ahsan Ali and more, and so we can all add in future updates on this thread for our teams.

 

[NoBallZombie]

For people having the akmal brothers, Asif Ali, sharjeel in their squads, have they thought about who is going to be fielding? Even if these guys fire with the bat , probability of which is very low, they are absolute duds in the field. We might as well have a tummy contest and add imad Wasim to it too.

 

[NoBallZombie]

It is actually embarrassing that we have so many spots to fill and only a few spaces locked down:

1. Babar Azam
2.
3.
4. Iftikhar
5. Hafeez (if he can bowl)
6. Imad.
7. Shadab (needs to work on his batting)
8.
9. Amir
10. Shaheen.
11. Rauf

Reserves:

Wahab.


Questions to answer:

1. Keeping slot:
a) Rizwan: we have seen he is very limited with the bat in this format. Although a good keeper.
b) Rohail: good bat and keeper but untested in T20i. Do we take a gamble?
c) One of Akmal brothers: can be great with the bat but downright horrible with the gloves. Imagine them dropping a dolly of a rampaging opposition batsman.
d) Safraz: Bad with the bat. Alright gloves. Can provide some leadership experience and help Babar with the field settings.

I would be leaning towards Safraz for this.

2. Second opener slot:
a) Zaman: No. horrible with the bat. Hasnt learnt anything.
b) Sharjeel: Can’t bring him back so quickly. And his tummy doesn’t help.
c) kamran: Maybe if we get him as a keeper.

Probably best to wait for Psl to make further assessment.

3) Number 3 batsman:

Don’t even know if we have candidates for this slot. Please no Haris Sohail or I am.

4) Number 8:

We may need a hard hitting quick bowler. Maybe Wahab fits the bill or can be one of hasan or faheem.

 

[MMHS]

Babar Azam
Sharjeel
Fakhar Zaman
Umar Akmal(wk)
Shoaib Malik
Iftikhar Ahmed
Shadab Khan
Amad Butt
Mohammed Amir
Shaheen Afridi
Haris Rauf

Saif Badar
Khushdil Shah
Imad Wasim
Naseem Shah

My 15. I believe it is perfect, and a team capable of winning the World Cup.

Of course it all depends on PSL, but this team is a solid 11.
[MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION] your thoughts please.

The only one I am dubious about is Khushdil, I don't rate him, but I want a leftie in the middle order.

Rauf changes the equation significantly- a right arm pacer who can bowl Yorkers. I think, your bowling picks are spot on, though I would have loved one more genuine spinner, but it’s in Australia and Ifti can be handy as 6th bowler.

I am not sure about the batting pucks though - apart from Babar, no one is convincing. I think, from your list I’ll discard Fakhar - he looked horrible against short staff and was never good to anything close to body; teams will target him now and remember, WC is in Australia- miscued top edges have to carry at least 10 years more to clear the line fielder. I’ll stick to my opener - Amin. He can hit the ball sweetly, can place within 9 fielders inside circle and he can hit on back foot, a lefti as well.

Umar as WK solves lots of problem, but guy looked the fattest ever during that double hundred (I did watch, but was too busy to post). Out of 120 legal balls, may be max 20 will come to him and 1/2 after edge - if PAK is happy with 50% keeping productivity, why not.

No place for Shoaib Malik though - he won’t get the chance to bash spinners much in Australia and in BPL, 120K thunder-bolts are hurrying him!!! One year later, even spinners will start to bounce him in Australia. That middle order is monotonous- five right-handers at a sequence. You have to find a southpaw for No. 4/5 - may be Imad as specialist bat!!! One other option can be to drop Amin at 4 .... and open with Kamran; but don’t dare to say that.

This PSL, PCB must finalise a lefti opener (must give Sharjeel every game to have a better assessment), and have to find a lefti middle order - lots of problem will be solved if Talat or Khusdil has a grand PSL. Even, they can try Fakhar at 4 - he won’t work as opener.

Bowling picks are good, though I would have loved to see a better leggi than Shadab.

 

[Rayyman]

Rauf changes the equation significantly- a right arm pacer who can bowl Yorkers. I think, your bowling picks are spot on, though I would have loved one more genuine spinner, but it’s in Australia and Ifti can be handy as 6th bowler.

I am not sure about the batting pucks though - apart from Babar, no one is convincing. I think, from your list I’ll discard Fakhar - he looked horrible against short staff and was never good to anything close to body; teams will target him now and remember, WC is in Australia- miscued top edges have to carry at least 10 years more to clear the line fielder. I’ll stick to my opener - Amin. He can hit the ball sweetly, can place within 9 fielders inside circle and he can hit on back foot, a lefti as well.

Umar as WK solves lots of problem, but guy looked the fattest ever during that double hundred (I did watch, but was too busy to post). Out of 120 legal balls, may be max 20 will come to him and 1/2 after edge - if PAK is happy with 50% keeping productivity, why not.

No place for Shoaib Malik though - he won’t get the chance to bash spinners much in Australia and in BPL, 120K thunder-bolts are hurrying him!!! One year later, even spinners will start to bounce him in Australia. That middle order is monotonous- five right-handers at a sequence. You have to find a southpaw for No. 4/5 - may be Imad as specialist bat!!! One other option can be to drop Amin at 4 .... and open with Kamran; but don’t dare to say that.

This PSL, PCB must finalise a lefti opener (must give Sharjeel every game to have a better assessment), and have to find a lefti middle order - lots of problem will be solved if Talat or Khusdil has a grand PSL. Even, they can try Fakhar at 4 - he won’t work as opener.

Bowling picks are good, though I would have loved to see a better leggi than Shadab.

Sharjeel
Babar*
Amin
Iftikhar
Rizwan+
Khushdil
Imad
Hasan
Amir
Shaheen
Haris

 

[MMHS]

Sharjeel
Babar*
Amin
Iftikhar
Rizwan+
Khushdil
Imad
Hasan
Amir
Shaheen
Haris

Not sure if Rizwan fits in T20. Also, I am afraid, unless there is a drastic improvement, Hasan will contribute more with bat than ball in Australia - this is not new actually, Yasir did that recently. I tend to believe Wahab can be a very good option, both with bat & ball, but that makes 4 left arm bowlers. In T20, you need a leggi (wrist spinner) - better if Shadab finds his bowling form back.

 

[Rayyman]

Not sure if Rizwan fits in T20. Also, I am afraid, unless there is a drastic improvement, Hasan will contribute more with bat than ball in Australia - this is not new actually, Yasir did that recently. I tend to believe Wahab can be a very good option, both with bat & ball, but that makes 4 left arm bowlers. In T20, you need a leggi (wrist spinner) - better if Shadab finds his bowling form back.

Wahab’ slingy action doesn’t work on bouncy pitches. And he can only hit big shots off the front foot.

Hasan/Faheem bowling can be effective on big grounds + swing/seam, and they can both bat well.

Shadab is done, would take Usama Mir, Usman Qadir or somebody else if a leg spinner is needed.

I would take Kami over Umar atm, but hopefully Pak find a good keeper/bat in PSL.

 

[shah_1]

PSL will give a good indication

 

[Hadi Rizvi]

Opening slot seems a problem because of Fakhar's form. It seems to be between Sharjeel and Fakhar tbh. Babar is an automatic selection
Haris doesn't have the game for T20Is and I think we should give Hussain Talat another go as he has batting credentials.
Iftikhar should be the floater as he can stabilise and attack as required.
For me Malik is a must in T20s. I know ppl don't like him here but he'd be great support for Babar in terms of tactics and a stabilising presence in the middle order.
We need a hard hitting keeper. Rizwan struggles with pacing otherwise he's a v good keeper.
Imad is again an automatic selection.
One of Zafar and Umer Khan have to debut so we can see how they cope with international cricket
Amir, Naseem and Rauf are a must in the XI while Wahab, Hasnain and Rumman can be the reserves.

My ideal XI

Babar
Sharjeel
Hussain
Malik
Iftikhar
Rizwan
Imad
Zafar/Umer/Shadab(depends on PSL performance)
Amir
Rauf
Naseem/Wahab(depends on the pitch)

Reserves
Hasnain, Rumman, Asif, Faheem

A lot depends on PSL tho. Hopefully we find some more batsmen.

 

[Darkrai]

Here's a team of tried and tested players that no one will like, but in reality, it's much better than our current team that consists of non-T20 batsmen like Haris and Rizwan and tail-enders like Fakhar and Asif.

Babar
Shehzad
Kamran
Umar
Iftkhar
Imad
Khushdil or Amad Butt
Shadab
Amir
Shaheen
Rauf

 

[mahmed]

Too many wholesale changes for untested domestic cricketers. Pakistan doesn't need to reinvent the wheel. Just a year ago they were t20 titans and a lot of the players can and should stay the same. A squad of 15 could be :

1. Babar c
2. Fakhar
3. Abid
4. Rizwan wk
5. Asif Ali
6. Imad
7. Shadab
8. In form place bowling all rounder
9. Second keeper/bat?
10. Amir
11. Hasnain
12. Hasan Ali if fit
13. Shinwari
14. Haris Rauf
15. Gohar/khan/nawaz

My Choice :

1. Sharjeel Khan
2. Baber Azam ( C )
3. Fakhar Zaman
4. Iftekhar Ahmed
5. Umer Akmal (WK)
6. Kushdil Shah
7. Faheem Ashraf
8. Shadab Khan
9. Mohammad Amir
10.Shaheen Shah Afridi
11. Harris Rauf

12. Mohammed Hasnain
13. Asif Ali
14. Imad Wasim/Mohammed Nawaz
15. Hassan Ali / Amad Butt

 

[bizenjo]

Here's a team of tried and tested players that no one will like, but in reality, it's much better than our current team that consists of non-T20 batsmen like Haris and Rizwan and tail-enders like Fakhar and Asif.

Babar
Shehzad
Kamran
Umar
Iftkhar
Imad
Khushdil or Amad Butt
Shadab
Amir
Shaheen
Rauf

I think it's the end of the line for Kamran, Umar and Shehzad.

Kamran in his last series against the Windies was a complete trainwreck.

Umar and Shehzad were embarrassing against SL. There are more worthwhile players that we could select.

Other than that, the team is good. Bowling looks great.

 

[barah_admi]

My Choice :

1. Sharjeel Khan
2. Baber Azam ( C )
3. Fakhar Zaman
4. Iftekhar Ahmed
5. Umer Akmal (WK)
6. Kushdil Shah
7. Faheem Ashraf
8. Shadab Khan
9. Mohammad Amir
10.Shaheen Shah Afridi
11. Harris Rauf

12. Mohammed Hasnain
13. Asif Ali
14. Imad Wasim/Mohammed Nawaz
15. Hassan Ali / Amad Butt

How good is butt? Where can I see him play? There us a lot of talk surrounding this guy.

Lots of good selections but I believe Umar akmal is done, a true ttf.