Pick your Pakistan squad for the 2019 World Cup

[Sajjad-007]

Fakhar
Imam
Babar
Malik
Sarfraz
Umar Akmal
Hafeez
Shadab
Imad
Faheem
Amir
Shaheen
Hassan
Junaid
Haris
A quality genuine spinner

r u SERIOUS?

 

[Sajjad-007]

A 16 Member squad is possible for the wc?

 

[Azlan Khan]

My 15 for The World Cup 2019:

Imam-ul-Haq
Fakhar Zaman
Muhammad Hafeez
Babar Azam
Haris Sohail
Shoaib Malik
Sarfaraz Ahmed
Muhammad Rizwan
Faheem Ashraf
Asif Ali
Shadab Khan
Muhammad Amir
Junaid Khan
Hasan Ali
Shaheen Shah Afridi

 

[Azlan Khan]

^ Could replace Asif Ali with Imad Wasim.

 

[sl-fan-of-pak]

1. Fakhar
2. Imam
3. Babar
4. Sarfraz
5. Malik
6. Hafeez
7. Shadab
8. Faheem
9. Hasan Ali
10. Amir / Abbas
11. Junaid / Afridi
14. Rizwan (back up for Sarfraz)
15. Sohaib Maqsood / Umar Akmal / equivalent hack

 

[Brilliance]

1 Fakhar.
2 Imam.
3 Babar.
4 Sarfaraz
5 Malik.
6 Hafeez.
7 Shadab.
8 Faheem.
9 Hassan.
10 Amir.
11 Shaheen.

12 Junaid.
13 Imad.
14 Haris.
15 Rizwan.

 

[Greenstorm]

1 Fakhar
2 Babar
3 Harris
4 Zeeshan
5 Sarfaraz
6 Asif Ali
7 Shadab
8 Faheem
9 Hassan
10 Amir
11 Shaheen

12 Saud
13 Talat
14 Shinwari
15 Junaid

 

[Attiq_Lone]

Imam ul Haq
Fakhar Zaman
Babar Azam
Sarfraz Ahmed
Shoaib Malik
Mohammad Hafeez
Faheem Ashraf
Shadab Khan
Hasan Ali
Junaid Khan
Shaheen Shah

Usman Khan
Asif Ali
Saud Shakeel
Imad Wasim

 

[iPakistani]

This is for sure the best 11 for Pakistan.

1. Fakhar Zaman.
2. Imam-Ul-Haq.
3. Babar Azam.
4. Haris Sohail.
5. Shoaib Malik.
6. Mohammad Hafeez.
7. Sarfraz Ahmed.
8. Shadab Khan.
9. Mohammad Amir.
10. Hasan Ali.
11. Junaid Khan.

12. Faheem Ashraf.
13. Shaheen Afridi.
14. Imad Wasim.
15. Hussain Talat. (Could be a very very important player).

 

[nextover666666]

Knowing the PCB this is the squad they will go for in almost certain

1. Fakhar Zaman.
2. Imam-Ul-Haq.
3. Babar Azam.
4. Haris Sohail.
5. Shoaib Malik.
6. Mohammad Hafeez.
7. Sarfraz Ahmed.
8. Shadab Khan.
9. Mohammad Amir.
10. Hasan Ali.
11. Junaid Khan.

12. Faheem Ashraf.
13. Shaheen Afridi.
14. Imad Wasim.
15. Usman Khan Shiniwari

How ever if it was up to me I would make some changes if I was selecting the squad I would make 2 changes

Mohammad Abbas for Usman Khan

Asif Ali for haris Sohail

 

[nextover666666]

Knowing the PCB this is the squad they will go for in almost certain

1. Fakhar Zaman.
2. Imam-Ul-Haq.
3. Babar Azam.
4. Haris Sohail.
5. Shoaib Malik.
6. Mohammad Hafeez.
7. Sarfraz Ahmed.
8. Shadab Khan.
9. Mohammad Amir.
10. Hasan Ali.
11. Junaid Khan.

12. Faheem Ashraf.
13. Shaheen Afridi.
14. Imad Wasim.
15. Usman Khan Shiniwari

How ever if it was up to me I would make some changes if I was selecting the squad I would make 2 changes

Mohammad Abbas for Usman Khan

Asif Ali for haris Sohail

 

[coy0607]

Locks:
Sarfraz
Malik
Fakhar
Hafeez
Shadab
Hassan
Babar

Highly likely:
Amir
Shaheen
Faheem
Imam
Imad

50-50:
Harris
Nawaz
Usman
Rumman/Wahab/Abbas

 

[silent ischemia]

Imam
Fakhar
Babar
Sarfraz
Malik
Hafeez
Faheem
Shadab
Hassan
Junaid
Shaheen

Harris
Asif
Amir
Rizwan
Imad

 

[ARK Rafay]

01. Imam
02. Fakhar
03. Babar
04. Malik
05. Sarfraz
06. Hafeez
07. Imad
08. Shadab
09. Amir
10. Hasan
11. Junaid

12. Faheem
13. Shaheen
14. Haris
15. Rizwan

 

[starteam]

M

My Squad
01.Fakhar
02.Sharjeel
03.Azhar
04.Babar
05.Sarfaraz
06.Hafeez
07.Fahim
08.Imad
09.Umar Amin
10.Shadab
11.Amir
12.Hassan
13.Junaid
14.Abbas
15.Rumman

Masha Allah ....... May Allah Help us to bring the world cup back to Pakistan .... Ameen ......

 

[Ab Fan]

What should be Pakistan's XI going forward to World Cup 2019?

Still too early to say and I believe a thread which can be bumped more often as we reach close to WC 2K19, but let's look the obvious picks and probable XI at this point going forward to WC: -

Imam
Fakhar
Babar
Malik/Haris
Hafeez
Sarfaraz(wkt)
Imad
Shadab
Amir
SS Afridi
Hasan

I haven't followed Pakistan matches that well, so maybe posters can put up what they think could be the best XI Pakistan can field?? Other options who have been impressive and worthy for the spot in XI?

Discuss!

 

[Srtfan]

Imam
Fakhar
Babar
Harris
Malik
Hafeez
Sarfraz
Shadab
Amir
Afridi
Hasan/ faheem

 

[Zaz]

Imam
Fakhar
Babar
Harris
Hafeez
Sarfraz
Imad/ Fahim
Shadab
Amir
Afridi
Hasan/Junaid

 

[Ab Fan]

Imam
Fakhar
Babar
Harris
Malik
Hafeez
Sarfraz
Shadab
Amir
Afridi
Hasan/ faheem

5th and 6th bowling option??

 

[Chokli]

1.Mohammad Hafeez
2.Fakhar Zaman
3.Babar Azam
4.Haris Sohail
5.Sarfraz Ahmed
6.Shoaib Malik
7.Faheem Ashraf
8.Shadab Khan/Imad Wasim
9.Usman Khan Shinwari
10.Shaheen Afridi
11.Mohammad Amir

 

[TeymurBlake]

1. Imam ul Haq
2. Fakhar Zaman
3. Babar Azam
4. Haris Sohail
5. Sarfaraz Ahmed (C/WK)
6. Asif Ali
7. Aamir Yamin/Hammad Azam
8. Shadab Khan
9. Hasan Ali
10. Shaheen Shah Afridi
11. Junaid Khan/Usman Khan

Since the question was what should be the team I decided to go with a team I think we should go with. I don't want to see the BFFs Malik and Hafeez. I wanted to initially choose an aggressive middle order batsman that can accelerate at the end of the innings which I don't think Haris and Babar can do but both should be our best middle order batsman. Decided to go against Amir because he hasn't done much in the domestic and I still feel like he feels he should get special treatment. He needs to be more consistent. I would like to take Saud Shakeel and potential Saif Badar maybe they can switch with Asif Ali if he goes out of form. I would consider Faheem Ashraf but he's not done enough with the bat whereas his bowling has been good, but Aamir Yamin has been good with the bat and ball. Hammad is also good with the bat specially near the end of the innings where you need some quickfire runs and can bowl decently.

 

[Ab Fan]

Or how would this XI be: -

Fakhar
Hafeez
Babar
Haris
Malik
Sarfaraz(wkt)
Imad/Faheem
Shadab
Amir
SS
Hasan

 

[Chokli]

People still want Imam in the XI let alone the 15?

 

[AFM]

Imam
Fakhar
Babar
Haris
Hafeez
Malik
Sarfraz
Imad/Faheem
Shadab
Amir/Junaid
Afridi/Hassan

 

[babajee]

Imam needs to be booted out.... the sooner the better.

Fakhar
Babar
Haris
Saud (won't get selected though )
Hafeez - purely for his bowling.
Sarfraz
Shadab
Faheem
Hasan
Amir
Shaheen

 

[Abdullah]

Fakhar
Harris
Babar
Sarfaraz
Malik
Hafeez
Imad
Faheem
Shadab
Shaheen
Amir

 

[Abdullah]

In that order

 

[Ab Fan]

Fakhar
Harris
Babar
Sarfaraz
Malik
Hafeez
Imad
Faheem
Shadab
Shaheen
Amir

Seems good but too many all-rounders. Would like to make one chance. Hasan Ali in place of Imad or Faheem.

So, Imad/Faheem bats at 7, Shadab at 8, Amir 9, Afridi 10 and Hasan 11. Tail is still excellent.
3 fast bowlers+ 1 spinner+ Imad/Faheem(one of them) + Hafeez. Also, Malik at 4, playing consolidator role and Sarfaraz at 5.

 

[Bilal Ahmad15]

1. Fakhar
2. Imam
3. Babar
4. Sarfaraz (wk/c)
5. Malik
6. Hafeez
7. Faheem / Imad
8. Shadab
9. Amir
10. Hasan Ali
11. Shaheen Shah

 

[blackanhyellow]

1) Hafeez
2) Fakhar
3) Babar
4) Haris
5) Malik
6) Sarfraz
7) Faheem
8) Shadab
9) Hassan / Shinwari
10) Amir
11) Shaheen

I dont like Hafeez in the top order in England, but his bowling is necessary so he has to be in the team.

 

[Chokli]

1) Hafeez
2) Fakhar
3) Babar
4) Haris
5) Malik
6) Sarfraz
7) Faheem
8) Shadab
9) Hassan / Shinwari
10) Amir
11) Shaheen

I dont like Hafeez in the top order in England, but his bowling is necessary so he has to be in the team.

Plus not like we have any other option.

 

[blackanhyellow]

Plus not like we have any other option.

Yes sadly we dont.

Imad is the next best "all rounder".

Hafeez is better both with bat and ball than Imad in the 50 over format.

 

[ads101]

1. Fakhar
2. Babar
3. Imam
4. Haris
5. Sarfraz
6. Malik
7. Imad/Hafeez
8. Shadab
9. Amir
10. Shaheen
11. Abbas

 

[ads101]

Yes sadly we dont.

Imad is the next best "all rounder".

Hafeez is better both with bat and ball than Imad in the 50 over format.

He used to be. But I'm not sure the new Hafeez bowler is. Imad regularly outbowls him in T20. I think it depends whether Imad can step up in ODIs and be that wicket taking bowler to match Shadab's efforts. If he's just keeping this economical, Hafeez is probably the best bet, I think he's the better bat and Hafeez is generally economical.

I do have a soft spot for Imad though, and back him a bit, because I feel that Shadab and Imad could decimate teams with spin for us working in tandem. I don't think Hafeez could ever be that lethal or run through sides. And he's the only upcoming allrounder I've seen who actually seems to perform with the bat. Faheem and Shadab's batting (though both promising bowlers) from what I've seen doesn't impress me, there seems no plan to it (though Shadab has different technique). At least Imad seems to bat with some sort of gameplan in mind. The others either slog and get out, or just defend like a tailender trying to stay alive.

 

[blackanhyellow]

He used to be. But I'm not sure the new Hafeez bowler is. Imad regularly outbowls him in T20. I think it depends whether Imad can step up in ODIs and be that wicket taking bowler to match Shadab's efforts. If he's just keeping this economical, Hafeez is probably the best bet, I think he's the better bat and Hafeez is generally economical.

I do have a soft spot for Imad though, and back him a bit, because I feel that Shadab and Imad could decimate teams with spin for us working in tandem. I don't think Hafeez could ever be that lethal or run through sides. And he's the only upcoming allrounder I've seen who actually seems to perform with the bat. Faheem and Shadab's batting (though both promising bowlers) from what I've seen doesn't impress me, there seems no plan to it (though Shadab has different technique). At least Imad seems to bat with some sort of gameplan in mind. The others either slog and get out, or just defend like a tailender trying to stay alive.

If there was 20 runs to defend from an over and my life depended on it, between the two I would choose hafeez.

If there was 20 runs to make in an over and my life depended on it, between the two I would choose Hafeez again.

However, If there was a catch to be caught and my life depended on it, between the two I would choose Imad

 

[gazza619]

Seeing how lamely Imam was playing on a batting paradise today and how Babar batted after him, i have dropped my support for Imam indefinetely from the ODI side.

My ODI eleven:
1. Babar Azam
2. Fakhar Zaman
3. Haris Sohail
4. Muhammad Hafeez
5. Shoaib Malik
6. Sarfaraz Ahmed
7. Shadab Khan
8. Imad Waseem
9. Faheem Ashraf
10. Shaheen Afridi
11. Muhammad Abbass

 

[hussain.r97]

I said it before, Imam's runs in Zimbabwe are going to haunt us. No way he will be dropped before the World Cup, otherwise, I woud play this team:

Babar Azam
Fakhar Zaman
Haris Sohail
Mohammad Hafeez
Shoaib Malik
Sarfraz Ahmed+*
Shadab Khan
Faheem Ashraf
Hasan Ali
Mohammad Amir
Shaheen Shah Afridi

-----------------------------

Usman Shinwari/Junaid Khan
Rumman Raees
Asif Ali
Hussain Talat
Imad Wasim
Saud Shakeel

 

[Rayyman]

Pakistan won the CT two years before the WC. Ideally, there shouldn't be too many changes. Especially because the tournament is being played in the same country.

Right now I will go with this, but it will likely change:

1. Fakhar Zaman (best opener in Pakistan, scores runs at a high average and strike rate, fittest player in the team and good fielder)
2. Imam ul-Haq (good defensive technique, temperament, struggles to play fast, but he's a better option than most. Young age, fit, and fantastic fielder.)
3. Babar Azam (best batsman in Pakistan, great all-around batsman, brilliant fielder.)
4. Shoaib Malik (good batsman, highly adept under pressure, rotates strike well, decent fielder)
5. Mohammad Hafeez (handy player, can win a match with his batting, great against spin, can hit big, smart bowler, master tactician)
6. Sarfraz Ahmed*+ (great leader, safe keeper, reliable batsman, scores quickly)
7. Imad Wasim (intelligent player, solid batsman and bowler)
8. Shadab Khan (clever spinner, capable batsman, electric fielder)
9. Mohammad Amir (skilled bowler, excellent swing, pace, accuracy and variation)
10. Hasan Ali (aggressive bowler, explosive batsman, acrobatic fielder)
11. Shaheen Afridi (gifted bowler, youngest player, great attitude)
-------------------------------------
12. Faheem Ashraf (useful player, powerful batsman, fine bowler, superb fielder)
13. Umar Amin (backup opening batsman, talented batsman, mentally weak)
14. Haris Sohail (backup middle-order batsman, consistent batsman, poor strike-rate)
15. Usman Khan Shinwari (backup fast bowler, swing bowler with pace, and has a fine yorker, struggles under pressure)
16. Mohammad Rizwan+ (backup wicketkeeper, athletic player, inconsistent batsman)

 

[topspin]

Fakhar
Haris
Babar
Sarfraz
Umar Akmal/Maqsood/Aamer Yamin/Saud Shakeel/Asif Ali (someone vs pace better than Malik)
Hafeez
Imad
Shadab
Hasan Ali
Amir
Shaheen

 

[ameemlutfi]

fakhar
imam
babar
hafeez
haris
malik
sarfaraz
shadab
fahim
shaheen
abbas
-----
hasan/junaid
haris/shan
aamir
imad/ bilal asif

 

[Raja Danish]

If we somehow get sharjeel back in the team asap i think we will definitely be strong favorites to win 2019 WC we just lack a strong opener who can partner fakhar otherwise our team is complete..
Fakhar
Sharjeel
Babar
Sarfraz
Malik
Hafeez
Shadab
Faheem
Hasan
Amir
Shaheen
Bench:
Junaid
Imad
Haris
Asif ali
Shinwari/Abbas
This is the squad which i feel can give us hope.. Changes in the final eleven can be made according to pitch conditions and form of players.. This squad has allrounders fast and spin plus Good FAst bowlers just need amir and hasan to be back to their best and regain form and also good enough batting in the squad at the stop sharjeel to go all guns blazing and fakhar to rotate strike and play his normal game and he will not fell under pressure once there is sharjeel as his partner.. These two will allow middle to bat easily in middle overs without taking any risk just rotate strike, the likes of sarfraz, malik, babar can rotate strike in middle part and hafeez at NO.6 to give finishing touch and if fails to do so then we can get asif ali at no.6 to finish the good work done by openers and middle order also faheem can give some lusty blows at the end.. so all in all a perfect combination and well balanced side for the big event like World cup.. I think this squad could be the closest to the 1999 WC squad in terms of combination only not quality which was near perfect with all basis covered and team full of legends and superstars..

 

[GLORY OF '92]

Sadly Imam is match losing option. But we are going to be saddled with him.

Iman
Fakhar
Babar
Hafeez
Sarf
Malik
Shadab
Faheem / Imad
Hasan
Amir
Shaheen

 

[GLORY OF '92]

Btw Imam's fielding is average at best. Fumbles multiple times per match.

 

[indianpanacea]

Fakhar
Babar
Umar akmal
Haris sohail
Asad shafiq
Sarfaraz
Hafeez
Amir
Hassan
Junaid
Abbas

 

[ddss]

World Cup 2019 Squad

So after the completion of the South African series do we have an idea of what the team will look like for the World Cup? There are some key players who have cemented their place, and some who have cast a shadow of doubt over their selection. Who do you think will be on the plane to England?

Imam
Fakhar
Babar
Hafeez
Malik
Sarfraz
Imad
Shadab
Hasan
Shaheen
Usman

On the sidelines:
Amir
Shan
Faheem
Haris

I think this is the most realistic XI we can play with.

 

[ddss]

Also how does it compare to our squad in 2015?

Shahzad
Sarfraz
Haris
Misbah
Akmal
Maqsood
Afridi
Riaz
Ehsan Adil
Sohail Khan
Rahat Ali

Sidelines:

Younis Khan
Mohammad Irfan
Yasir Shah
Nasir Jamshed

 

[Bilal Ahmad15]

1. Fakhar Zaman
2. Shan Masood
3. Babar Azam
4. Sarafaraz Ahmed (c) (wk)
5. Mohammad Hafeez
6. Shoaib Malik
7. Imad Wasim
8. Shadab Khan
9. Hasan Ali
10. Mohammad Amir
11. Shaheen Shah Afridi


12. Imam Ul-Haq
13. Mohammad Rizwan
14. Usman Khan Shinwari
15. Haris Sohail
16. Faheem Ashraf

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

My Certainties at the moment are :


1. Imam
2. Fakhar
3. Shan
4. Babar
5. Sarfraz
6. Shadab
7. Shaheen
8. Hasan
9. Imad


For remaining 7 spots they should be up for grabs and PSL + Pak Odi series vs Aus should be considered bench mark.


Inzamam ul Haq must give chances to top PSL performers in the Odi series vs Australia.


10. Hafeez/Malik/Agha/Haseeb

I do not agree with Hafeez/Malik or both being automatic choices just because they are experienced.


In Odi series vs South Africa Hafeez played one quality knock and that too where he was dropped in slips early on on the bowling of Steyn.

Hafeez's bowling in this Odi series has been useless aswell.


On the other hand Malik had a very poor Odi series and his batting record in England is attrocious. So Malik has to show form in PSL + in Odi series vs Australia and should only be picked than otherwise No.


Also Malik now is not an allrounder and rarely bowls nor he has confidence in his bowling.


For me if we should either pick one or don't pick either. None of them is a dependable middle order batsman against top 4-5 pace bowling international teams.


Agha Salman has got decent PSL and A tour exposure. He is a decent enough batsman too but I am afraid NCA has failed to work on his bowling action in last 3 years. Little tweaks were needed for him to actually turn his offies.


Haseeb ur Rehman is an ideal replacement for Hafeez/Malik because he can bowl 10 overs and will take 1 or 2 wickets aswell but Sadly he has got zero PSL or under 19/A tour exposure. He is a genuine offspinning allrounder.



11. Faheem/Amad

If Amad has a good PSL with both bat and ball and than he should be picked for Odi series vs Australia. Faheem has got more batting potential but unfortunately he hasn't been able to perform at Int Level. Personally I want Faheem to perform with the bat in PSL and get into contention again.


12. Amir/Shinwari/Junaid/Wahab


Although Amir was brilliant in CT final but it's been 2 years now and at present he looks very ordinary/average. No swing, down on pace aswell and barren wickets column. Lots of technical and physical issues to be solved.


Shinwari has fantastic record but his numbers do not reflect the real story. He has alot of technical issues to sort out and his numbers are inflated mainly due to minnow bashing. If you take out 3 tailorder wickets vs SA recently than he had a poor series overall.


Junaid & Wahab do have a chance provided they have Good PSL + Pak Odi series vs Aus especially Junaid.

Wahab hired a personal trainer for himself and we might have witnessed 150 kph deadly wahab back in action in PSL but he got BPL call at a very wrong time to which he could not say No due to money factor involved. Not sure if in 10 days He can get back into the shape he was in 2015 WC. Currently he is a tad overweight.


13. Ahmed Bashir/Musa Khan/Haris Rauf/Naseem(If action is well modified)

Hoping against hope that Ahmed gets picked as 21st player for Isb or Peshawar.


Strong PSL exploits can have them in contention.


14. Umaid Asif/M Ilyas/Ali Shafique


Again strong PSL eye catching show needed.



15. Irfan leggie/Raza/Zafar


16. Saud/Rizwan hussain/U Akmal (-15 kg)

17. Ahsan Ali/Nabi Gul/Khushdil Shah.


Floating 17th as reserve option.


Strong PSL show needed.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

My line up will look something like:

Fakhar/Rizwan Hussain/Shan
Babar
Haris
Sarfraz
Saud Shakeel
Nasir Nawaz/Rizwan Hussain
Shadab
Imad/Irfan/Faheem/Gohar
Amad Butt/Amir/Sadaf
Hasan
Shaheen

3-4 places are still up for grabs.

 

[Chokli]

1.Imam Ul Haq
2.Sarfraz Ahmed (wk) (c)
3.Babar Azam
4.Fakhar Zaman
5.Haris Sohail
6.Umar Akmal
7.Imad Wasim
8.Faheem Ashraf
9.Hasan Ali
10.Mohammad Amir
11.Shaheen Afridi

 

[MMHS]

1.Imam Ul Haq
2.Sarfraz Ahmed (wk) (c)
3.Babar Azam
4.Fakhar Zaman
5.Haris Sohail
6.Umar Akmal
7.Imad Wasim
8.Faheem Ashraf
9.Hasan Ali
10.Mohammad Amir
11.Shaheen Afridi

Won't work - you are forcing Umer again to play those Larke lenge style game. He is the best back-foot player from PAK since IuH and at present head & shoulders above anyone for No. 4. It's not accommodating Umer, rather the batting should be built around him. I don't disagree with the XI, but the order is a disaster -

1. Imam (Can't drop, has won a MoS, I would have picked Shan)
2. Babar
3. FZ
4. Umer
5. Sarfraz*+
6. Maqsood (or you can play Hari, but then swap with Sarfraz's position)
7 & 8. 2 of Imad, Shadab, Fahim, Gohar, Amad, Hammad depending on condition & opponent
9-11. 3 fast bowlers on absolute bowling merit - whatever runs they put are bonus. Amir & Shaheen must, other one has to be a right armer - may be Hasan or even Abbas.

 

[ShahidDar08]

01. Fakhar Zaman
02. Imam ul Haq
03. Babar Azam
04. Mohammad Hafeez
05. Shoaib Malik
06. Umar Akmal
07. Hussain Talat
08. Sarfaraz Ahmad
09. Imad Wasim
10. Fahim Ashraf
11. Shadab Khan
12. Mohammad Amir
13. Hasan Ali
14. Shaheen Afridi
15. Usman Shinwari

 

[Chokli]

Won't work - you are forcing Umer again to play those Larke lenge style game. He is the best back-foot player from PAK since IuH and at present head & shoulders above anyone for No. 4. It's not accommodating Umer, rather the batting should be built around him. I don't disagree with the XI, but the order is a disaster -

1. Imam (Can't drop, has won a MoS, I would have picked Shan)
2. Babar
3. FZ
4. Umer
5. Sarfraz*+
6. Maqsood (or you can play Hari, but then swap with Sarfraz's position)
7 & 8. 2 of Imad, Shadab, Fahim, Gohar, Amad, Hammad depending on condition & opponent
9-11. 3 fast bowlers on absolute bowling merit - whatever runs they put are bonus. Amir & Shaheen must, other one has to be a right armer - may be Hasan or even Abbas.

out of those players only umar akmal can play at the number 6 spot.. i guess if we can swap umar akmal and fakhar zaman, then that could work.

sarfraz is not a reliable bat to bat at number 5, i'd rather slot him opening, whatever runs he gets are a bonus, i don't expect much from him anyway.

i don't know why you like maqsood so much, he hasn't done anything of note to be in contention for a spot.

sarfraz opening probably won't happen so we are stuck with him at 6

imam
babar
zaman
umar
haris
sarfraz
imad

i like the balance of left/right batsmen.

 

[rhony]

1.Imam Ul Haq
2.Sarfraz Ahmed (wk) (c)
3.Babar Azam
4.Fakhar Zaman
5.Haris Sohail
6.Umar Akmal
7.Imad Wasim
8.Faheem Ashraf
9.Hasan Ali
10.Mohammad Amir
11.Shaheen Afridi

Bowling is weak. Only one of Faheem or Imad will play. The other spot is for Shadab

 

[Chokli]

Bowling is weak. Only one of Faheem or Imad will play. The other spot is for Shadab

faheem and shadab aren't good enough for number 7.

imad has the number 7 spot locked.

8 is between shadab and faheem

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

Let Umar Akmal at the least perform in a few games more.

I know we really need him in our side, but its better he learns to value his wicket and shows this by performing on a consistent basis instead of loose slogging.

This PSL and the Aus series could be its chance to showcase this new version.

 

[shaikhanasm]

Salam all, I don't post often, but I wanted to add my two cents about the World Cup squad!

What should the Pakistan squad be for the World Cup 2019?

First, we will assume that only 16 players can be selected in the team. This way, we will break it down and make sure we select a balance between the openers, middle order batsmen, wicket keeper and backup wicket keeper, all rounders, spinners, and pacers.

Openers:
1) Imam Ul Haq
2) Fakhar Zaman
3) Shan Masood

Why these three players?

First of all, last time Pakistan played in England, they had won the Champions Trophy in 2017. This was largely due to Fakhar Zaman and Azhar Ali opening partnership. Azhar Ali averaged 42 with a strike rate of 79 during the CT17, and I believe that Imam Ul Haq is younger version of Azhar Ali. He is technically sound, and doesn't throw his wicket away very easily. His strike rate and average are better than Azhar's as well.

Fakhar Zaman in 4 games had 2 fifties and 1 century in England and is a clutch player in finals as we see from the India game where he scored a 100 and the Australia T20 game where he scored a 90 plus. Even though he may not be in form now, he is still the best opener we have for England. Sharjeel Khan will not play, and guys like Sahibzada Farhan, Rizwan Hussain, Sohail Akhtar, etc. don't have enough experience yet to play. Ahmed Shehzad is not in form right now and hasn't done anything in domestics to warrant a comeback.

That brings us to our backup opener in case Fakhar and Imam can't go. I would at this time go with Shan Masood, even though someone like Sami Aslam makes a compelling case. Shan has been on fire lately in limited overs cricket and his form continues in the PSL with consistent batting for the Sultans.

Middle Order:
4) Babar Azam
5) Shoaib Malik
6) Mohammad Hafeez
7) Sarfraz Ahmed
8) Umar Akmal

Personally, I think that the order should be Babar Azam at 3, Umar Akmal at 4, Sarfraz Ahmed at 5, and Mohammad Hafeez at 6. We know that Babar Azam is going to stay put at 3, since he is the mainstay of our batting lineup. I personally think that Umar Akmal is a complete batsmen and if he plays with Babar and Sarfraz, he will be mentally calm and won't throw his wicket away. He can build his innings slowly, and can also accelerate in the death.

The issue with Umar Akmal is that he was always played at 6 and lower and expected to hit right away. This approach will not work as we have seen this PSL what Umar can do when playing in position. Sarfraz Ahmed is also a singles taker and not a finisher and should bat at number 5, esp in English conditions. Umar can also be our backup keeper in case anything happens to Sarfraz Ahmed.

Hafeez played wonderfully when batting at 6 and in the Champions Trophy, and is a wonderful striker of the ball, probably the best in all of Pakistan. He is the ideal number 6 batsman for Pakistan in England. He cannot play up ahead since he he cannot play against the moving ball.

But knowing our management doesn't think rationally, they will not play Akmal at all, and will play Shoaib Malik and Hafeez at 4 and 5, and Sarfraz Ahmed out of position at number 6. Shoaib Malik has horrible stats in England and World Cups, with a combined 1 half century in 20 years of playing international cricket. Oh, and he's the worse player of pace I have ever seen come out of Pakistan. He should not make the team at all and instead someone like Haris Sohail should come in, but that will not be the case.

There are reports coming out saying the Hafeez will be in jeopardy for World Cup since he has a thumb injury. If that is the case, Haris Sohail should come into the team, but Malik being the senior will probably get the nod to start in his place.

Umar Amin, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, and other players, even though they are talented and will play for Pakistan again in the near future, just don't have enough match practice and have enough matches left to find their place in Pakistan. Amin bats in the top 3, and we are well set in the top 3 Alhamdulillah.


9) Shadab Khan
10) Faheem Ashraf
11) Imad Wasim

Shadab Khan is our main spinner and Mohammad Hafeez can also roll his arm if needed. Our second spinner or fourth pacer position should go to the duo of Imad Wasim and Faheem Ashraf. Pakistan has always been a team whose main strength his their bowling, and so they should select bowling all rounders and not batting all rounders. This is why Faheem needs to be selected over Anwar Ali and Hussain Talat since he is a better bowler than those two by a mile.

Personally, I would play Imad Wasim as his average in the UK is amazing, and in the summer of England, the pitch will turn and will be good for spinners. He is the idea number 7 batsmen for Pakistan. But if needed, Faheem can come in and hit big shots as a number 7 as well. He cannot be our third pacer as his bowling is not good enough for that. Mohammad Nawaz can also bat and bowl at the number 7 position, but at this time, Imad Wasim is doing better than him in all departments, especially batting.

I do have a concern about Shadab since he is no longer in a good form, and I am hoping that he will be in form by playing the ODIs in Australia and England. However, there are no other good spinners for limited overs besides him that I am seeing in domestics. Yasir Shah is a test bowler, and guys like Asghar and Gohar haven't had enough match practice to be included. I guess we will have to role with Shadab and hope his form comes back.


Pacers:
12) Hassan Ali
13) Mohammad Amir
14) Junaid Khan
15) Shaheen Afridi
16) Haris Rauf

Next would be our pacers, which we should rotate since we don't get tired throughout the tournament.

I would have Junaid Khan and Mohammad Amir duo open the bowling as that has worked for Pakistan in the past. Shaheen Afridi has also been impressive since his debut and can come in to give both of them a break since this WC is 2 months long. Hassan Ali has always been amazing in England and especially during this PSL, his form is coming back. He is the best old ball bowler for Pakistan and the other alternatives such as Wahab Riaz don't have cricketing brains.

Haris Rauf has really impressed this PSL. He has extreme pace and can crank it up to 150 easily while moving the ball. Having 150 KPH yorkers that sear in to the batsmen and move laterally is a talent which can't be taught, and Rauf has it. Being a right handed player will also help his cause.

Even with just 15 players, we can take out Haris Rauf since he is young and very inexperienced, and we have enough pacers and bowlers in the squad.

In Contention:
1) Rumman Raees
2) Asif Ali
3) Haris Sohail
4) Usman Khan Shinwari

Even though we have a limit of just 16 players, I think there are at least 5 other players who should be in contention of being in the squad.

UKS and Rumman Raees both are solid bowlers and if any of our players get injured, they can come and fill in if needed. However, their results are all over the place. UKS has games where he takes 5 wickets easily, while other games his numbers are 0-70. These two also haven't had a great PSL, so it might come back to bite them. Also with 5-6 pacers, I don't think these two will even be needed.

Haris Sohail is an interesting case. First of all, he is so versatile that he can play anywhere between 2 and 6 positions, and he can also bowl quality off spin and can partner Shadab in bowling. He is great against pace, perhaps Pakistan's best in this regard. But he is also very injury prone and Mickey just doesn't play him. Because his isn't playing in PSL, I don't think he will be selected for the WC squad when there are only 16 players allowed to be selected. But he is the first batsman that should be selected in case any of the 16 are injured and or unavailable.

Asif Ali is a great talent and a sweet hitter of the ball. I think he will do excellent in England and the pitches suit his hitting style. However, he always hits a six and then gets out next ball. If he can fix this and hit balls on merit and not just try to hit everything out, he will be a good player for Pakistan.

I think Pakistan will be a team that the top 3 will give a good start too, and with Umar Akmal and Sarfraz Ahmed in the middle order, Pakistan will have players who keep the scoreboard ticking in the middle overs, and Hafeez & Imad/Hafeez can bat in the death overs. Therefore, there is no need for Asif Ali in the squad.

Hopefully, with this squad, we can win or get to the semi finals of the World Cup 2019.

 

[hadi123]

Salam all, I don't post often, but I wanted to add my two cents about the World Cup squad!

What should the Pakistan squad be for the World Cup 2019?

First, we will assume that only 16 players can be selected in the team. This way, we will break it down and make sure we select a balance between the openers, middle order batsmen, wicket keeper and backup wicket keeper, all rounders, spinners, and pacers.

Openers:
1) Imam Ul Haq
2) Fakhar Zaman
3) Shan Masood

Why these three players?

First of all, last time Pakistan played in England, they had won the Champions Trophy in 2017. This was largely due to Fakhar Zaman and Azhar Ali opening partnership. Azhar Ali averaged 42 with a strike rate of 79 during the CT17, and I believe that Imam Ul Haq is younger version of Azhar Ali. He is technically sound, and doesn't throw his wicket away very easily. His strike rate and average are better than Azhar's as well.

Fakhar Zaman in 4 games had 2 fifties and 1 century in England and is a clutch player in finals as we see from the India game where he scored a 100 and the Australia T20 game where he scored a 90 plus. Even though he may not be in form now, he is still the best opener we have for England. Sharjeel Khan will not play, and guys like Sahibzada Farhan, Rizwan Hussain, Sohail Akhtar, etc. don't have enough experience yet to play. Ahmed Shehzad is not in form right now and hasn't done anything in domestics to warrant a comeback.

That brings us to our backup opener in case Fakhar and Imam can't go. I would at this time go with Shan Masood, even though someone like Sami Aslam makes a compelling case. Shan has been on fire lately in limited overs cricket and his form continues in the PSL with consistent batting for the Sultans.

Middle Order:
4) Babar Azam
5) Shoaib Malik
6) Mohammad Hafeez
7) Sarfraz Ahmed
8) Umar Akmal

Personally, I think that the order should be Babar Azam at 3, Umar Akmal at 4, Sarfraz Ahmed at 5, and Mohammad Hafeez at 6. We know that Babar Azam is going to stay put at 3, since he is the mainstay of our batting lineup. I personally think that Umar Akmal is a complete batsmen and if he plays with Babar and Sarfraz, he will be mentally calm and won't throw his wicket away. He can build his innings slowly, and can also accelerate in the death.

The issue with Umar Akmal is that he was always played at 6 and lower and expected to hit right away. This approach will not work as we have seen this PSL what Umar can do when playing in position. Sarfraz Ahmed is also a singles taker and not a finisher and should bat at number 5, esp in English conditions. Umar can also be our backup keeper in case anything happens to Sarfraz Ahmed.

Hafeez played wonderfully when batting at 6 and in the Champions Trophy, and is a wonderful striker of the ball, probably the best in all of Pakistan. He is the ideal number 6 batsman for Pakistan in England. He cannot play up ahead since he he cannot play against the moving ball.

But knowing our management doesn't think rationally, they will not play Akmal at all, and will play Shoaib Malik and Hafeez at 4 and 5, and Sarfraz Ahmed out of position at number 6. Shoaib Malik has horrible stats in England and World Cups, with a combined 1 half century in 20 years of playing international cricket. Oh, and he's the worse player of pace I have ever seen come out of Pakistan. He should not make the team at all and instead someone like Haris Sohail should come in, but that will not be the case.

There are reports coming out saying the Hafeez will be in jeopardy for World Cup since he has a thumb injury. If that is the case, Haris Sohail should come into the team, but Malik being the senior will probably get the nod to start in his place.

Umar Amin, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, and other players, even though they are talented and will play for Pakistan again in the near future, just don't have enough match practice and have enough matches left to find their place in Pakistan. Amin bats in the top 3, and we are well set in the top 3 Alhamdulillah.


9) Shadab Khan
10) Faheem Ashraf
11) Imad Wasim

Shadab Khan is our main spinner and Mohammad Hafeez can also roll his arm if needed. Our second spinner or fourth pacer position should go to the duo of Imad Wasim and Faheem Ashraf. Pakistan has always been a team whose main strength his their bowling, and so they should select bowling all rounders and not batting all rounders. This is why Faheem needs to be selected over Anwar Ali and Hussain Talat since he is a better bowler than those two by a mile.

Personally, I would play Imad Wasim as his average in the UK is amazing, and in the summer of England, the pitch will turn and will be good for spinners. He is the idea number 7 batsmen for Pakistan. But if needed, Faheem can come in and hit big shots as a number 7 as well. He cannot be our third pacer as his bowling is not good enough for that. Mohammad Nawaz can also bat and bowl at the number 7 position, but at this time, Imad Wasim is doing better than him in all departments, especially batting.

I do have a concern about Shadab since he is no longer in a good form, and I am hoping that he will be in form by playing the ODIs in Australia and England. However, there are no other good spinners for limited overs besides him that I am seeing in domestics. Yasir Shah is a test bowler, and guys like Asghar and Gohar haven't had enough match practice to be included. I guess we will have to role with Shadab and hope his form comes back.


Pacers:
12) Hassan Ali
13) Mohammad Amir
14) Junaid Khan
15) Shaheen Afridi
16) Haris Rauf

Next would be our pacers, which we should rotate since we don't get tired throughout the tournament.

I would have Junaid Khan and Mohammad Amir duo open the bowling as that has worked for Pakistan in the past. Shaheen Afridi has also been impressive since his debut and can come in to give both of them a break since this WC is 2 months long. Hassan Ali has always been amazing in England and especially during this PSL, his form is coming back. He is the best old ball bowler for Pakistan and the other alternatives such as Wahab Riaz don't have cricketing brains.

Haris Rauf has really impressed this PSL. He has extreme pace and can crank it up to 150 easily while moving the ball. Having 150 KPH yorkers that sear in to the batsmen and move laterally is a talent which can't be taught, and Rauf has it. Being a right handed player will also help his cause.

Even with just 15 players, we can take out Haris Rauf since he is young and very inexperienced, and we have enough pacers and bowlers in the squad.

In Contention:
1) Rumman Raees
2) Asif Ali
3) Haris Sohail
4) Usman Khan Shinwari

Even though we have a limit of just 16 players, I think there are at least 5 other players who should be in contention of being in the squad.

UKS and Rumman Raees both are solid bowlers and if any of our players get injured, they can come and fill in if needed. However, their results are all over the place. UKS has games where he takes 5 wickets easily, while other games his numbers are 0-70. These two also haven't had a great PSL, so it might come back to bite them. Also with 5-6 pacers, I don't think these two will even be needed.

Haris Sohail is an interesting case. First of all, he is so versatile that he can play anywhere between 2 and 6 positions, and he can also bowl quality off spin and can partner Shadab in bowling. He is great against pace, perhaps Pakistan's best in this regard. But he is also very injury prone and Mickey just doesn't play him. Because his isn't playing in PSL, I don't think he will be selected for the WC squad when there are only 16 players allowed to be selected. But he is the first batsman that should be selected in case any of the 16 are injured and or unavailable.

Asif Ali is a great talent and a sweet hitter of the ball. I think he will do excellent in England and the pitches suit his hitting style. However, he always hits a six and then gets out next ball. If he can fix this and hit balls on merit and not just try to hit everything out, he will be a good player for Pakistan.

I think Pakistan will be a team that the top 3 will give a good start too, and with Umar Akmal and Sarfraz Ahmed in the middle order, Pakistan will have players who keep the scoreboard ticking in the middle overs, and Hafeez & Imad/Hafeez can bat in the death overs. Therefore, there is no need for Asif Ali in the squad.

Hopefully, with this squad, we can win or get to the semi finals of the World Cup 2019.

With ICC tournaments squads tend to be 15 man squads, not 16.

 

[Bilal7]

1) Imam-ul-Haq
2) Fakhar Zaman
3) Babar Azam
4) Haris Sohail
5) Shoaib Malik
6) Umar Akmal
7) Sarfaraz Ahmed (c) (wk)
8) Shadab Khan
9) Hasan Ali
10) Mohammad Amir
11) Junaid Khan

12) Mohammad Hafeez/Shan Masood
13) Faheem Ashraf/Hussain Talat
14) Imad Wasim
15) Shaheen Shah Afridi

 

[Bilal7]

Salam all, I don't post often, but I wanted to add my two cents about the World Cup squad!

What should the Pakistan squad be for the World Cup 2019?

First, we will assume that only 16 players can be selected in the team. This way, we will break it down and make sure we select a balance between the openers, middle order batsmen, wicket keeper and backup wicket keeper, all rounders, spinners, and pacers.

Openers:
1) Imam Ul Haq
2) Fakhar Zaman
3) Shan Masood

Why these three players?

First of all, last time Pakistan played in England, they had won the Champions Trophy in 2017. This was largely due to Fakhar Zaman and Azhar Ali opening partnership. Azhar Ali averaged 42 with a strike rate of 79 during the CT17, and I believe that Imam Ul Haq is younger version of Azhar Ali. He is technically sound, and doesn't throw his wicket away very easily. His strike rate and average are better than Azhar's as well.

Fakhar Zaman in 4 games had 2 fifties and 1 century in England and is a clutch player in finals as we see from the India game where he scored a 100 and the Australia T20 game where he scored a 90 plus. Even though he may not be in form now, he is still the best opener we have for England. Sharjeel Khan will not play, and guys like Sahibzada Farhan, Rizwan Hussain, Sohail Akhtar, etc. don't have enough experience yet to play. Ahmed Shehzad is not in form right now and hasn't done anything in domestics to warrant a comeback.

That brings us to our backup opener in case Fakhar and Imam can't go. I would at this time go with Shan Masood, even though someone like Sami Aslam makes a compelling case. Shan has been on fire lately in limited overs cricket and his form continues in the PSL with consistent batting for the Sultans.

Middle Order:
4) Babar Azam
5) Shoaib Malik
6) Mohammad Hafeez
7) Sarfraz Ahmed
8) Umar Akmal

Personally, I think that the order should be Babar Azam at 3, Umar Akmal at 4, Sarfraz Ahmed at 5, and Mohammad Hafeez at 6. We know that Babar Azam is going to stay put at 3, since he is the mainstay of our batting lineup. I personally think that Umar Akmal is a complete batsmen and if he plays with Babar and Sarfraz, he will be mentally calm and won't throw his wicket away. He can build his innings slowly, and can also accelerate in the death.

The issue with Umar Akmal is that he was always played at 6 and lower and expected to hit right away. This approach will not work as we have seen this PSL what Umar can do when playing in position. Sarfraz Ahmed is also a singles taker and not a finisher and should bat at number 5, esp in English conditions. Umar can also be our backup keeper in case anything happens to Sarfraz Ahmed.

Hafeez played wonderfully when batting at 6 and in the Champions Trophy, and is a wonderful striker of the ball, probably the best in all of Pakistan. He is the ideal number 6 batsman for Pakistan in England. He cannot play up ahead since he he cannot play against the moving ball.

But knowing our management doesn't think rationally, they will not play Akmal at all, and will play Shoaib Malik and Hafeez at 4 and 5, and Sarfraz Ahmed out of position at number 6. Shoaib Malik has horrible stats in England and World Cups, with a combined 1 half century in 20 years of playing international cricket. Oh, and he's the worse player of pace I have ever seen come out of Pakistan. He should not make the team at all and instead someone like Haris Sohail should come in, but that will not be the case.

There are reports coming out saying the Hafeez will be in jeopardy for World Cup since he has a thumb injury. If that is the case, Haris Sohail should come into the team, but Malik being the senior will probably get the nod to start in his place.

Umar Amin, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, and other players, even though they are talented and will play for Pakistan again in the near future, just don't have enough match practice and have enough matches left to find their place in Pakistan. Amin bats in the top 3, and we are well set in the top 3 Alhamdulillah.


9) Shadab Khan
10) Faheem Ashraf
11) Imad Wasim

Shadab Khan is our main spinner and Mohammad Hafeez can also roll his arm if needed. Our second spinner or fourth pacer position should go to the duo of Imad Wasim and Faheem Ashraf. Pakistan has always been a team whose main strength his their bowling, and so they should select bowling all rounders and not batting all rounders. This is why Faheem needs to be selected over Anwar Ali and Hussain Talat since he is a better bowler than those two by a mile.

Personally, I would play Imad Wasim as his average in the UK is amazing, and in the summer of England, the pitch will turn and will be good for spinners. He is the idea number 7 batsmen for Pakistan. But if needed, Faheem can come in and hit big shots as a number 7 as well. He cannot be our third pacer as his bowling is not good enough for that. Mohammad Nawaz can also bat and bowl at the number 7 position, but at this time, Imad Wasim is doing better than him in all departments, especially batting.

I do have a concern about Shadab since he is no longer in a good form, and I am hoping that he will be in form by playing the ODIs in Australia and England. However, there are no other good spinners for limited overs besides him that I am seeing in domestics. Yasir Shah is a test bowler, and guys like Asghar and Gohar haven't had enough match practice to be included. I guess we will have to role with Shadab and hope his form comes back.


Pacers:
12) Hassan Ali
13) Mohammad Amir
14) Junaid Khan
15) Shaheen Afridi
16) Haris Rauf

Next would be our pacers, which we should rotate since we don't get tired throughout the tournament.

I would have Junaid Khan and Mohammad Amir duo open the bowling as that has worked for Pakistan in the past. Shaheen Afridi has also been impressive since his debut and can come in to give both of them a break since this WC is 2 months long. Hassan Ali has always been amazing in England and especially during this PSL, his form is coming back. He is the best old ball bowler for Pakistan and the other alternatives such as Wahab Riaz don't have cricketing brains.

Haris Rauf has really impressed this PSL. He has extreme pace and can crank it up to 150 easily while moving the ball. Having 150 KPH yorkers that sear in to the batsmen and move laterally is a talent which can't be taught, and Rauf has it. Being a right handed player will also help his cause.

Even with just 15 players, we can take out Haris Rauf since he is young and very inexperienced, and we have enough pacers and bowlers in the squad.

In Contention:
1) Rumman Raees
2) Asif Ali
3) Haris Sohail
4) Usman Khan Shinwari

Even though we have a limit of just 16 players, I think there are at least 5 other players who should be in contention of being in the squad.

UKS and Rumman Raees both are solid bowlers and if any of our players get injured, they can come and fill in if needed. However, their results are all over the place. UKS has games where he takes 5 wickets easily, while other games his numbers are 0-70. These two also haven't had a great PSL, so it might come back to bite them. Also with 5-6 pacers, I don't think these two will even be needed.

Haris Sohail is an interesting case. First of all, he is so versatile that he can play anywhere between 2 and 6 positions, and he can also bowl quality off spin and can partner Shadab in bowling. He is great against pace, perhaps Pakistan's best in this regard. But he is also very injury prone and Mickey just doesn't play him. Because his isn't playing in PSL, I don't think he will be selected for the WC squad when there are only 16 players allowed to be selected. But he is the first batsman that should be selected in case any of the 16 are injured and or unavailable.

Asif Ali is a great talent and a sweet hitter of the ball. I think he will do excellent in England and the pitches suit his hitting style. However, he always hits a six and then gets out next ball. If he can fix this and hit balls on merit and not just try to hit everything out, he will be a good player for Pakistan.

I think Pakistan will be a team that the top 3 will give a good start too, and with Umar Akmal and Sarfraz Ahmed in the middle order, Pakistan will have players who keep the scoreboard ticking in the middle overs, and Hafeez & Imad/Hafeez can bat in the death overs. Therefore, there is no need for Asif Ali in the squad.

Hopefully, with this squad, we can win or get to the semi finals of the World Cup 2019.

Walikum Assalam. A very good post.

I would just limit it to 15 and exclude Haris Rauf, he's too much of an unknown quantity at this point. Also, I believe that Haris Sohail, if fully fit, deserves to be selected ahead of Shan Masood.

 

[MSN]

Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2019

After squad announcement for Australia ODI series, there are 23 players in contention for 15 slot of world cup squad. It is highly unlikely that any player outside this bunch makes it to the squad. The players in contention are:

Squad for Australia ODI Series (16):
Shoaib Malik
Abid Ali
Shan Masood
Imam ul Haq
Haris Sohail
Umar Akmal
Saad Ali
Mohammad Rizwan
Imad Wasim
Faheem Ashraf
Yasir Shah
Junaid Khan
Mohammad Abbas
Mohammad Amir
Mohammad Hassnain
Usman Shinwari

Rested players (6):
Sarfaraz Ahmed
Shadab Khan
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Babar Azam
Fakhar Zaman
Hasan Ali

Injured player (1):
Mohammad Hafeez

I think that the 15 member squad and 5 reserve players will be announced from the above mentioned 23 players.

- Who do you guys think will/should make it to the flight to London?
- Which players are sure selection for the squad, backed by their performances and/or trust of selectors/ team management?
- What will be ideal Pak XI to play on the first match against West Indies on May 31?

 

[a_tahir]

The fact that amir hasn't been rested shows that his place is up for grabs.
Amir used to play 2 matches and used to get rested for the next 5.
Shaheen and Hasan are confirmed spots.
The last 2 are still being decided.
Not much will change in the batting lineup. Maybe umar akmal may come in if he performs well against aus.

 

[sjahmed23]

They shoud've added Harris Rauf, he has shown good control and pace with the ball which is crucial at the death and lacking from our attack big time. Mohammad Hassnain is too raw imo and probably needs more time to be ready for WC. I was hoping they had taken Rauf, but our selectors are all over the place with their decisions so not surprising and it seems like Rauf's attitude has rubbed some people the wrong way.

 

[Chokli]

1.Imam Ul Haq
2.Sarfraz Ahmed (c) (wk)
3.Babar Azam
4.Haris Sohail
5.Umar Akmal
6.Mohammad Hafeez
7.Imad Wasim
8.Shadab Khan
9.Hasan Ali
10.Mohammad Amir
11.Shaheen Afridi

 

[ataullah]

Time for fakhar to be dropped. He hasn't ironed out his faults and believes he has no technical issues as I saw in an interview of his. When was the last time he looked convincing? Anyone agree?

 

[Stewie]

What do you guys think about that new kid hasnain? Heard he is quick!

 

[ataullah]

What do you guys think about that new kid hasnain? Heard he is quick!

Quick but raw. His control is reasonable but he hardly looks like taking wickets and doesn't have a wicket taking delivery

 

[ChTab]

My squad for WC

1. Fakhar
2. Imam
3. Babar
4. Haris
5. Hafeez
6. Sarfraz
7. Imad
8. Shahdab
9. Faheem
10. Hassan
11. Shaheen

Reserves:-
12. U. Akmal
13. Shan
14. Abbas
15. Amir

I don't want Malik anywhere near the squad for WC especially because the WC is in England but most probably he will be in there in place of Hafeez.

 

[ChTab]

Time for fakhar to be dropped. He hasn't ironed out his faults and believes he has no technical issues as I saw in an interview of his. When was the last time he looked convincing? Anyone agree?

He is not going to be dropped for the WC but maybe if he doesn't improve himself after the WC then sure.

 

[Stewie]

I hope junaid does well in the australian series and books a place in the squad. I think he gets treated harshly and is a better ODI bowler than Amir.

 

[MSN]

My own response to the thread question:

This combination, in my opinion, will constitute a balanced squad:

Openers: 2*
Middle order: 5
Wicketkeeper: 1
Batting alrounder: 1/2
Bowling alrounder: 1/2
Bowlers: 4

*Opener slot redundancy to be backed by one of middle order batsman in case of injury

And the players I'd like to see aboard the flight to London, are:

(+ sign to indicate that they'll surely be selected)

Openers:
Fakhar Zaman +
Imam ul Haq +

Middle order:
Babar Azam +
Haris Sohail
Shoaib Malik +
Mohammad Hafeez
Umar Akmal

Wicketkeeper:
Sarfaraz +

Alrounders:
Imad Wasim
Shadab Khan +
Faheem Ashraf +

Bowlers:
Mohammad Amir +
Hasan Ali +
Shaheen Afridi +
Junaid Khan

Open positions (5):
Middle order (3): with only two players who seem to be direct selection, Australia series appears to be the platform for the players to perform and get the call up. One of the selected openers for Australia series can also be brought in the world cup squad to play in higher middle order (or to strengthen the bench) If Hafeez doesn't recover in time then all three are up for grabs.

Alrounder (1): Imad Wasim needs to show some form with the bat to get his place. With both Shadab and Faheem being primarily bowling alrounders, Imad needs to provide balance to the squad with his batting abilities (especially in absence of Hafeez)

Bowler (1): Mohammad Abbas won't be a bad choice if he shows some form otherwise Junaid Khan will be selected. It appears difficult that Usman Shinwari or Mohammad Hassnain get selected. If Hafeez does not make it to the squad, this would mean that we have two spin bowling options in Shadab and Imad, and in this case, the bowler vacant slot can be filled by Yasir Shah as well (provided, he performs well during Australia series)

 

[MSN]

Malik's form and more importantly captaincy has been pathetic during PSL but he'll surely be there in world cup squad.

 

[lahoriyah1234]

If Sarfraz Ahmed is Smart then he will know how to utilise himself in the WC.

I think he should sacrifice his spot and open the inning, he is naturally agressive batsmen and someone who likes to hit the gapes and which i think will be better for him to bat first 10 overs. Plus with this move we can add another bowling allrounder.

I want hafeez to get fit and ready for the WC. He looks in surpreme form in his late career. I would take hafeez over malik any day.

My WC 11-

Imam
sarfraz WK
Fakhar
Babar azam
Hafeez
Umar Akmal
Shadab
fahim/imad depending on conditions. Against SA/Aus/NzL/Eng il play imad.
Amir
Hasan
Shaheen

 

[Bewal Express]

Time for fakhar to be dropped. He hasn't ironed out his faults and believes he has no technical issues as I saw in an interview of his. When was the last time he looked convincing? Anyone agree?

No, FZ plays. He plays because as single handedly destroyed Ind and until someone much better comes, he always plays.

 

[Ab Fan]

Fakhar
Imam
Babar
Haris
Malik
Hafeez
Sarfaraz(wkt)
Shadab
Amir
Hasan
Shaaaaaheeeeeen

 

[hasanali]

I think Umer Khan, Mohammad Abbas and Wahab Riaz should all be in the squad.

 

[Chokli]

This is what we'll see.

1.Imam Ul Haq
2.Fakhar Zaman
3.Babar Azam
4.Mohammad Hafeez
5.Shoaib Malik
6.Sarfraz Ahmed
7.Imad Wasim
8.Shadab Khan
9.Mohammad Amir
10.Shaheen Afridi
11.Hasan Ali

 

[hasanali]

Amir is really out of form.

 

[cricketwala]

OPENERS
1.Imam Ul Haq
2.Fakhar Zaman
3.Abid Ali
BATSMEN:
4.Babar Azam
5.Haris Sohail
6.Shoaib Malik
7.Mohammad Hafeez(only player who have the ability to finish game)
8.Asif Ali (Not U.Akmal because of what he done in aus series)
WICKET KEEPER:
9.Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (Rizwan as backup)
SPINNERS:
10.Imad Wasim
11.Shadab Khan
FAST BOWLERS:
12.Mohammad Amir
13.Faheem Ashraf(only fast bowling allrounder)
14.Junaid Khan/Usman Shinwari
15.Hassan Ali
16.Shaheen Shah Afridi

 

[Arsalan Pro]

OPENERS
1.Imam Ul Haq
2.Fakhar Zaman
3.Abid Ali
BATSMEN:
4.Babar Azam
5.Haris Sohail
6.Shoaib Malik
7.Mohammad Hafeez(only player who have the ability to finish game)
8.Asif Ali (Not U.Akmal because of what he done in aus series)
WICKET KEEPER:
9.Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (Rizwan as backup)
SPINNERS:
10.Imad Wasim
11.Shadab Khan
FAST BOWLERS:
12.Mohammad Amir
13.Faheem Ashraf(only fast bowling allrounder)
14.Junaid Khan/Usman Shinwari
15.Hassan Ali
16.Shaheen Shah Afridi

You have selected 16 players, there can only be 15.