PCB name 16-player squad for the 3-match ODI home series against the West Indies

[MenInG]

Pakistan cricket selectors today named the squad for the three ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League One-Day Internationals against the West Indies, which are scheduled at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on 8, 10 and 12 June.

As the series will not be played in a Managed Event Environment, the selectors have decided to reduce the 21-player squad for the home Australia ODIs to 16 players and those left out of the squad from next month’s matches are Asif Afridi, Asif Ali, Haider Ali and Usman Qadir. Saud Shakeel was not considered as he is scheduled to undergo a surgery for sinusitis.

Babar Azam will continue to lead the side, while Shadab Khan, who missed the Australia ODIs due to an injury, has returned as vice-captain.

The squad will assemble in Rawalpindi on 1 June for a training camp and Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Rizwan and Shadab Khan, who are presently playing in the English County Championship, will join the squad in time for the practice sessions.

Chief Selector Muhammad Wasim: “As the ODIs against the West Indies are part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 qualification, we have decided to give best chance to our side to collect maximum points and strengthen our chances of progressing directly for the pinnacle 50-over tournament. We have retained the same core of players so they further establish themselves in the format. I hope this bunch will continue the form they gained from the Australia series.

“Also, and taking into consideration that there will be no Managed Event Environment and the players can be called at a short notice, we have reduced the squad size to 16 players.

“For the Australia ODIs, we had also announced backup players as cover to those players who were carrying injuries. Players such as Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan are now fully fit, which has allowed us to leave out Asif Afridi and Usman Qadir.

“However, Usman along with Asif Ali and Haider Ali remain in our plans for the shortest format as we have a series of T20I lined up this year, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022.”

The squad includes three openers in Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq, three middle-order batters in Babar Azam, Iftikhar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah, two wicketkeeper/batters in Mohammad Haris and Mohammad Rizwan, two spin all-rounders Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan with Zahid Mahmood as a wrist spinner and five fast bowlers in Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim Junior, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shahnawaz Dahani.

Pakistan boasts three batters inside the top-15 of ICC player rankings with Babar sitting on top of the tree, followed by third-ranked Imam-ul-Haq and 12th-ranked Fakhar Zaman. Amongst the bowlers, Shaheen Shah Afridi is the highest-ranked player in seventh position.

Pakistan squad for West Indies ODIs:

Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper/batter), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper/batter), Mohammad Wasim Junior, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani and Zahid Mahmood.

 

[shah_1]

How does pathetic Hasan Ali keep on getting picked in this format?

 

[Amjid Javed]

The squad picked should be looking at beating WI 3-0 here.

 

[PakPremi]

How does pathetic Hasan Ali keep on getting picked in this format?

Atleast Hasan Ali has performed in England County season. How does Iftikhar keep getting selected despite failing in the 1000 chances given to him in all format.

 

[Titan24]

So resting some senior players was just media rumors I believe which different media outlets and their journalists were talking about.

Good to see Nawaz and Shadab back, provide much better combination overall. Saud never looked at home at no 5 and with a solid top 4 and Abdullah as backup, it really didn't make much sense to carry him on so while harsh on Saud, a sensible decision from team combination perspective.

With full strength spin attack for Pakistan back, WI will have to play really well if they want to give themselves a chance to win the series.

 

[DRsohail]

So resting some senior players was just media rumors I believe which different media outlets and their journalists were talking about.

Good to see Nawaz and Shadab back, provide much better combination overall. Saud never looked at home at no 5 and with a solid top 4 and Abdullah as backup, it really didn't make much sense to carry him on so while harsh on Saud, a sensible decision from team combination perspective.

With full strength spin attack for Pakistan back, WI will have to play really well if they want to give themselves a chance to win the series.

Do you think we lack a proper middle order, Khushdil can be lower order bat but not middle. Iftikhar does not look a solution.

 

[Titan24]

Do you think we lack a proper middle order, Khushdil can be lower order bat but not middle. Iftikhar does not look a solution.

Definitely we lack solidity in the middle order with lack of experience playing a big role as well and it was evident against Aus in ODIs. Even in SA we had to rely upon Faheem and co to finish the first ODI match once the top 3 got out. Iftikhar has the domestic numbers to back him for sometime and we dont have much options for those numbers so will have to hope for him to come good. Khushdil can build an innings if required as his solid List A numbers show however, ideally he should no be required before last 10-12 overs. Mohammad Haris is a solid young player to have in the backup for that no 5-6 position I believe as he has the game and shots for those numbers but, again no 4 (Rizwan) onwards to no 6 our experience is kind of non-existent.

However, with the increased batting depth with Shadab and Nawaz that weakness will be compensated for I believe.

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan have announced a 16-man squad for their upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League series against West Indies, starting 8 June.

Their regular captain Babar Azam will lead the side, while Shadab Khan, who missed the ODI series against Australia due to an injury, will return as vice-captain.

The series will not be played in a 'Managed Event Environment', hence the selectors have reduced the number of players in the squad from 21 for the Australia series which Pakistan won 2-1, to 16 for the upcoming assignment.

Muhammad Wasim, Pakistan's Chief Selector, said that the squad has been picked keeping the direct qualification for the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in mind.

"As the ODIs against the West Indies are part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 qualification, we have decided to give best chance to our side to collect maximum points and strengthen our chances of progressing directly for the pinnacle 50-over tournament," said Wasim. "We have retained the same core of players so they further establish themselves in the format. I hope this bunch will continue the form they gained from the Australia series.

"Also, and taking into consideration that there will be no Managed Event Environment and the players can be called at a short notice, we have reduced the squad size to 16 players," he explained.

Missing from the list are Asif Afridi, Asif Ali, Haider Ali and Usman Qadir, while Saud Shakeel was also not considered due to a scheduled surgery for sinusitis.

Wasim added that the players that are not a part of the squad for the West Indies leg form a part of their planning for this year's ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Australia.

"For the Australia ODIs, we had also announced backup players as cover to those players who were carrying injuries. Players such as Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan are now fully fit, which has allowed us to leave out Asif Afridi and Usman Qadir.

"However, Usman along with Asif Ali and Haider Ali remain in our plans for the shortest format as we have a series of T20Is lined up this year, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022."

Pakistan are currently ninth in the CWCSL Standings and will be hoping to improve their position to stay in contention for next's year ODI World Cup.

Squad: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Junior, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani and Zahid Mahmood

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2632590?sf165124564=1

 

[Faiz1978]

Why not Shan Masood in team , why they are treating him so badly , terrible

 

[Shafi]

Hasan Ali will cost us a game. This TTF has very strong back up to keep getting selected.

 

[KyoOne]

Hasan Ali, Wasim Jr & Abdullah Shafique (another tuk tuk) are poor choices.

Pakistan should opt for modern day busy/attacking players instead of Imam, Abdullah ,etc. England ditched players like Cook in 2015 and the team transformed immediately, eventually winning 2019 WC.

Imad Wasim and Amer Yamin should be in the mix as well, both very good allrounders. Sharjeel as backup opener to Fakhar and Haris should be there.

Hope Hasnain is cleared soon and joins as a backup pacer.

From the current squad, Harris and Fakhar should open, followed by Babar, Nawaz, Iftikhar, Khushdil, Shadab, Rizwan, Shaheen, Rauf, Zahid/Dahani

 

[feelings2002]

where is saud shakeel and asad shafiq

why selectors not selecting them

 

[Faiz1978]

where is saud shakeel and asad shafiq

why selectors not selecting them

Asad Shafiq I can understand but for what reason Saud Shakeel and Shan Masood are not in team , only reason I can see they are from Karachi , this is disgusting, if team management is not fair they can not succeed , all great captains are always fair in selection regardless religion , region etc.

 

[Faiz1978]

One thing is evident Babar Azam is not fair in team selection.

 

[Kaddy]

where is saud shakeel and asad shafiq

why selectors not selecting them

What?

I think you're not following Pakistan cricket for the last few years.

I hope your 'feelings' are not hurt to know that he was permanently dropped from Odi team more than five years ago.

 

[Barragan]

Wasim jnr and mahmood are terrible selections.

Two very mediocre cricketers.

 

[Abstraction1]

Pretty decent squad.

Would like to see Imad Wasim there.

Not sure about Mohammed Waseem if I'm honest.

 

[anonymous_guy]

where is saud shakeel and asad shafiq

why selectors not selecting them

Asad Shafiq I can understand but for what reason Saud Shakeel and Shan Masood are not in team , only reason I can see they are from Karachi , this is disgusting, if team management is not fair they can not succeed , all great captains are always fair in selection regardless religion , region etc.

If you guys start reading news article before post it would definitely help.

Saud Shakil isnt selected because he is to undergo a "sinusitis operation", not because of being from a particular region.

 

[shamaan]

How does pathetic Hasan Ali keep on getting picked in this format?

Zaman Khan or arshad should have been picked

 

[shamaan]

So resting some senior players was just media rumors I believe which different media outlets and their journalists were talking about.

Good to see Nawaz and Shadab back, provide much better combination overall. Saud never looked at home at no 5 and with a solid top 4 and Abdullah as backup, it really didn't make much sense to carry him on so while harsh on Saud, a sensible decision from team combination perspective.

With full strength spin attack for Pakistan back, WI will have to play really well if they want to give themselves a chance to win the series.

Am glad that Asif Ali is dropped but how does zahid mahmood get in the squad with his pathetic bowling performance against Australia

 

[Faiz1978]

If you guys start reading news article before post it would definitely help.

Saud Shakil isnt selected because he is to undergo a "sinusitis operation", not because of being from a particular region.

Thats is the reason given , healing from this operation take this much time not sure , what about Shan Masood , what reason is he out ? what reason they can have , Mohammad Wasim and Babar Azam have no shame. sorry for my language though they are.

 

[Saj]

Last chance saloon for Ifthi and Khushdil Shah?

 

[anonymous_guy]

Thats is the reason given , healing from this operation take this much time not sure , what about Shan Masood , what reason is he out ? what reason they can have , Mohammad Wasim and Babar Azam have no shame. sorry for my language though they are.

1) Who are we to decide how much post operation will a patient need to recover back to his/her full potential, let the concerned doctor decide it. (For Saud Shakil).

2) Shan is already in the test team, he is scoring like a machine in the county matches (first class), he will surely get his place back in the test team, sooner rather than later.
Top three in ODI is solid, he can be tried in no 4, if the middle order doesn't justice their selection or in case of an injury to the current top 3.
He is in sublime form, he will find a place soon.

 

[the Great Khan]

Shan would make a better odi player..just feel he isn't quite good enough for test cricket..

 

[hitthestump]

Shan would make a better odi player..just feel he isn't quite good enough for test cricket..

Well he isn't breaking into the top 4 in ODI cricket, so unless you'd play him at 5 he may as well carry on doing his work over in county cricket.

 

[hitthestump]

How does pathetic Hasan Ali keep on getting picked in this format?

Because this isn't the 90's and our fast bowling stocks are some of the worst in the world.

 

[shamaan]

where is saud shakeel and asad shafiq

why selectors not selecting them

Saud Shakeel is rightly dropped he doesn't fit in this team becouse he is similar to Babar and imaam in terms of strike rate.

 

[shamaan]

Asad Shafiq I can understand but for what reason Saud Shakeel and Shan Masood are not in team , only reason I can see they are from Karachi , this is disgusting, if team management is not fair they can not succeed , all great captains are always fair in selection regardless religion , region etc.

Shakeel needs to bat in the top 4 he batting isn't suited to to 5/6

 

[nextover666666]

I do not know what the obession is of having itfikhar and khushdil. Ideally their are better options or at worst select one out of khushdil or iftikhar but not both

 

[MenInG]

Saud Shakeel is rightly dropped he doesn't fit in this team becouse he is similar to Babar and imaam in terms of strike rate.

He is dropped because he has to go for an operation.

 

[Nasty Naz]

I do not know what the obession is of having itfikhar and khushdil. Ideally their are better options or at worst select one out of khushdil or iftikhar but not both

What better options? Pakistan have tried so many middle order options and players like Asif and Danish Aziz have failed.

Based on their List A track record, it makes sense to give guys who have dominated domestically for a long time. Unfortunately, having a very limited pool of options doesn't help either.

You could argue Saud Shakeel being there but he is yet another accumulator on a team full of accumulators. One player that I am disappointed they dropped and aren't giving a longer chance in that role is Haider Ali. He could solve those issues and he should warrant a longer leash.

Other than that, not much else to complain about the squad in all honesty. Unless there is some breakout middle order options in domestic or spin options, it's possible this is very close to the squad we will be going to the WC with.

 

[shah_1]

Because this isn't the 90's and our fast bowling stocks are some of the worst in the world.

Naseem was 2nd best bowler in the recent PSL yet he is being ignored

 

[BunnyRabbit]

2 spots in 4-6 and third pacer slot are up for grabs. Zahid and Qadir dont inspire much confidence as spinners either if Shadab isnt available for some reason.

Markram has done well in the middle order in LOIs for SA. Can Abdullah Shafique be used as a middler order batter in ODIs too?

 

[Titan24]

Last chance saloon for Ifthi and Khushdil Shah?

I think Khushdil did well to finish the 2nd ODI match vs Aus with 27* off 17 balls, Pakistan have lost the match from winning position quite a few times especially against Australia. Also he is 27, offers decent 6th option and not many available in the role he is expected to perform. Has a good List A record as well, so I think deserves a decent run in ODIs.

Iftikhar definitely needs to show more of a spark at international level. He also has the luxury of not many solid competitors for the number he is playing at, has decent list A numbers and gives an option of offspin. However, with Khushdil’s bowling development and the 6th bowling option being sorted alongside the fact that Moh Haris has shown some good modern day skills in List A cricket at no 6, so chances for Iftikhar might not be that many.

 

[shamaan]

He is dropped because he has to go for an operation.

He proberly would have been dropped even if he didn't have an operation.

 

[shamaan]

My Team for first odi

Fakhar
Imaam
Babar
Rizwan
Haris
Khushdil
Iftikhar
Shadab
Nawaz/wasim Jnr
Rauf
Dahani

Shaheen should be rested.

 

[Faiz1978]

1) Who are we to decide how much post operation will a patient need to recover back to his/her full potential, let the concerned doctor decide it. (For Saud Shakil).

2) Shan is already in the test team, he is scoring like a machine in the county matches (first class), he will surely get his place back in the test team, sooner rather than later.
Top three in ODI is solid, he can be tried in no 4, if the middle order doesn't justice their selection or in case of an injury to the current top 3.
He is in sublime form, he will find a place soon.

I am from medical profession so I know anyway this can be given concession though marks my work Saud Shakeel will not be included in future also , and put your self in place of Shan Masood and than analyze he is already 32 in what age they will include in team , when he is in prime form and not included , On merit he should be in all format though I dont think he will get chance

 

[nextover666666]

What better options? Pakistan have tried so many middle order options and players like Asif and Danish Aziz have failed.

Based on their List A track record, it makes sense to give guys who have dominated domestically for a long time. Unfortunately, having a very limited pool of options doesn't help either.

You could argue Saud Shakeel being there but he is yet another accumulator on a team full of accumulators. One player that I am disappointed they dropped and aren't giving a longer chance in that role is Haider Ali. He could solve those issues and he should warrant a longer leash.

Other than that, not much else to complain about the squad in all honesty. Unless there is some breakout middle order options in domestic or spin options, it's possible this is very close to the squad we will be going to the WC with.

When you select guys like Asif and Danish Aziz of course guys like Itfikhar and Khushdil will look better, the problem is when their selecting back up players or other option, their not selecting the right guys. I am not complaining, but I do feel their is better options, that Iftikahr and Khushdil.

 

[Nasty Naz]

When you select guys like Asif and Danish Aziz of course guys like Itfikhar and Khushdil will look better, the problem is when their selecting back up players or other option, their not selecting the right guys. I am not complaining, but I do feel their is better options, that Iftikahr and Khushdil.

Like who? Provide the better options and why they would be better.

I can only think of Haider Ali as a better and more useful long-term option but inconsistency & poor fielding remains a question mark. Players like Ghulam, Shan & Saud are accumulators and would only be adding more of the same. Asif Ali is terrible. I am not sure realistically, what other good options are there.

 

[nextover666666]

Like who? Provide the better options and why they would be better.

I can only think of Haider Ali as a better and more useful long-term option but inconsistency & poor fielding remains a question mark. Players like Ghulam, Shan & Saud are accumulators and would only be adding more of the same. Asif Ali is terrible. I am not sure realistically, what other good options are there.

I personally think guys like Haidar Ali, Kamran Ghulam should be persisted with you can throw in Khushdil in the mix too, I get what your saying we dont have a superstar middle over in the lines waiting to be picked, but i still feel Iftikhar and Khushdil arent the best options, and both should not be included only One, but this is my opinion.

If they both can prove me wrong, I will be more than Happy.

 

[Markhor]

Like who? Provide the better options and why they would be better.

I can only think of Haider Ali as a better and more useful long-term option but inconsistency & poor fielding remains a question mark. Players like Ghulam, Shan & Saud are accumulators and would only be adding more of the same. Asif Ali is terrible. I am not sure realistically, what other good options are there.

The only suggestion I think can of to our white ball middle order headache is to pick on potential like England are doing with Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope in Tests.

When you've tried the proven domestic batsmen like Iftikhar and Khushdil, and the alternatives like Saud are too similar to the accumulators we already have, then what else is left ?

I would consider just giving Haider Ali and Mohammad Haris a long run and see what happens. At 5 and 6 you need aggressive batsmen capable of hitting big and finishing an innings, and both have a high ceiling. Their domestic sample is limited, but maybe it's worth giving them 3-4 series and hope the investment pays off.

 

[Nasty Naz]

The only suggestion I think can of to our white ball middle order headache is to pick on potential like England are doing with Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope in Tests.

When you've tried the proven domestic batsmen like Iftikhar and Khushdil, and the alternatives like Saud are too similar to the accumulators we already have, then what else is left ?

I would consider just giving Haider Ali and Mohammad Haris a long run and see what happens. At 5 and 6 you need aggressive batsmen capable of hitting big and finishing an innings, and both have a high ceiling. Their domestic sample is limited, but maybe it's worth giving them 3-4 series and hope the investment pays off.

Which is why I am disappointed Haider Ali has been dropped. Haris however remains in the squad which is great to see.

It's also worth noting, both Iftikhar & Khushdil do provide the team with 6th/7th bowling option while the other two do not. It can be pretty handy considering how our bowlers tend to be quite leaky.

I am hoping Haris gets a chance this series and I am guessing if Haider shows some form domestically, he will find himself back on the squad as well.

 

[hitthestump]

I would consider just giving Haider Ali and Mohammad Haris a long run and see what happens.

Well you wouldn't if you are already contemplating the removal of Khushdil and Iftikhar before a ball has even been bowled in this series. You'll run out of patience with the two you've mentioned as well.