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[PICTURES] Pakistan announce 15-man squad for T20I series against Bangladesh

Wow, quite a Spectrum of reactions on here. Have to say I have mixed feelings on the squad. I am generally not a big fan Hafeez or Malik, however I do feel that we will require at least one of them to shore up the middle order in the World Cup. However this comes with the caveat that these guys can still perform at a high level and I think some of the poster's points that Hafeez specifically is on a downward slope is undeniable. I would be very annoyed if both of them made the lineup in these games. You should only play one of them alongside Khushdil and Ifti. Essential that you have one experienced hand in the lower middle order. I am interested to know who else you guys would recommend to play in the lower middle order aside from Malik?

I'm also torn on the inclusion of Rizwaan as the keeper. I think the lad is the best keeper that Pakistan has, however his ability to clear the rope consistently is suspect. That said I absolutely do not want Kamran Akmal anywhere near this squad. Hopefully Sarfraz can bring his game back up to the required level in coming months and Rohail and Bismillah Khan can perform consistently in the PSL.

As regards Usman Qadir we need to see how he does in the international arena before we make a judgement on him. A lot of people wanted to see Umer Khan given a go, however misbah specifically wants to use a wrist spinner in the team as they are very effective in T20 (see Kuldeep and Chahal) and there aren't many other alternatives to Shadab right now. Same goes for Musa who is a young lad. It's hilarious how people have already given up on Musa despite his young age. He could still come good and be amazing for Pakistan.

I don't see Amir's exclusion as a big deal because he will surely come back in later squads. I'm not a huge fan of his attitude as well as his entitlement but the fact remains that's even when he's not taking wickets he is able to keep things relatively tight. Wahab I'm not too sad to see go. I can completely understand Shaheen's selection but don't really want to see this boy anywhere near this format. Delighted for Harris Rauf and glad to see Hasnain persevered with because that boy has the raw materials to be a real difference maker for Pakistan.

I'm most interested to see how Ammad Butt performs in this series. It's absolutely essential that he plays all the games. Pakistan have been looking for a proper all rounder ever since Razzaq's retirement and hopefully this guy is the answer to our prayers.

I'm interested to see how Ahsan Ali does. Given that there are no other openers in the squad, looks like he will play all the games. Unless they're thinking about playing Hafeez as an opener (hope not).

I would really like if we drop Immad Wasim for all these games as we know what he offers us and need to try out the other guys.

One last general point: I genuinely don't understand what people want from Misbah. I fully on board that some of his selections have been erratic but you are never going to please everybody. People keep saying drop Shadab but can people offer an alternative that is consistent and good enough to replace him? People are not happy with Ahsan Ali's inclusion because of his fitness but can people offer a high-performing opener in his Stead who has played high quality attacks? Are there any other reliable lower middle order batsman who can play maturely in high pressure situations like Malik? If there are let's talk about them otherwise let's back this squad as there's plenty to look forward to, including:

1) Ahsan Ali's opening role
2) Khushdil and Ifti's finishing ability
3) Ammad Butt's effectiveness as an all rounder
4) Haris Rauf's performance at international level
5) Hasnain and Haris in combination
6) Shaheen Shah playing as the Spearhead of the attack
7) Usman Qadir in comparison to Shadab

Thanks!
 
Wow, quite a Spectrum of reactions on here. Have to say I have mixed feelings on the squad. I am generally not a big fan Hafeez or Malik, however I do feel that we will require at least one of them to shore up the middle order in the World Cup. However this comes with the caveat that these guys can still perform at a high level and I think some of the poster's points that Hafeez specifically is on a downward slope is undeniable. I would be very annoyed if both of them made the lineup in these games. You should only play one of them alongside Khushdil and Ifti. Essential that you have one experienced hand in the lower middle order. I am interested to know who else you guys would recommend to play in the lower middle order aside from Malik?

I'm also torn on the inclusion of Rizwaan as the keeper. I think the lad is the best keeper that Pakistan has, however his ability to clear the rope consistently is suspect. That said I absolutely do not want Kamran Akmal anywhere near this squad. Hopefully Sarfraz can bring his game back up to the required level in coming months and Rohail and Bismillah Khan can perform consistently in the PSL.

As regards Usman Qadir we need to see how he does in the international arena before we make a judgement on him. A lot of people wanted to see Umer Khan given a go, however misbah specifically wants to use a wrist spinner in the team as they are very effective in T20 (see Kuldeep and Chahal) and there aren't many other alternatives to Shadab right now. Same goes for Musa who is a young lad. It's hilarious how people have already given up on Musa despite his young age. He could still come good and be amazing for Pakistan.

I don't see Amir's exclusion as a big deal because he will surely come back in later squads. I'm not a huge fan of his attitude as well as his entitlement but the fact remains that's even when he's not taking wickets he is able to keep things relatively tight. Wahab I'm not too sad to see go. I can completely understand Shaheen's selection but don't really want to see this boy anywhere near this format. Delighted for Harris Rauf and glad to see Hasnain persevered with because that boy has the raw materials to be a real difference maker for Pakistan.

I'm most interested to see how Ammad Butt performs in this series. It's absolutely essential that he plays all the games. Pakistan have been looking for a proper all rounder ever since Razzaq's retirement and hopefully this guy is the answer to our prayers.

I'm interested to see how Ahsan Ali does. Given that there are no other openers in the squad, looks like he will play all the games. Unless they're thinking about playing Hafeez as an opener (hope not).

I would really like if we drop Immad Wasim for all these games as we know what he offers us and need to try out the other guys.

One last general point: I genuinely don't understand what people want from Misbah. I fully on board that some of his selections have been erratic but you are never going to please everybody. People keep saying drop Shadab but can people offer an alternative that is consistent and good enough to replace him? People are not happy with Ahsan Ali's inclusion because of his fitness but can people offer a high-performing opener in his Stead who has played high quality attacks? Are there any other reliable lower middle order batsman who can play maturely in high pressure situations like Malik? If there are let's talk about them otherwise let's back this squad as there's plenty to look forward to, including:

1) Ahsan Ali's opening role
2) Khushdil and Ifti's finishing ability
3) Ammad Butt's effectiveness as an all rounder
4) Haris Rauf's performance at international level
5) Hasnain and Haris in combination
6) Shaheen Shah playing as the Spearhead of the attack
7) Usman Qadir in comparison to Shadab

Thanks!

Great post which is pretty objective, based upon reasoning (You dont see that often in squad announcement threads) and unbiased as well.
 
Great post which is pretty objective, based upon reasoning (You dont see that often in squad announcement threads) and unbiased as well.

Thanks man, I think we all remember when Pakistan squad announcements used to be a non event where you'd always see the same old names. In the current regime were atleast seeing Domestic performers given a go. I agree that some of the selections have been scattergun but even if A few players consistently perform in this series I.e. a Khushdil, a Butt or a Rauf establish themselves, it's contributing to a stronger squad in the future and for the World Cup
 
Wow, quite a Spectrum of reactions on here. Have to say I have mixed feelings on the squad. I am generally not a big fan Hafeez or Malik, however I do feel that we will require at least one of them to shore up the middle order in the World Cup. However this comes with the caveat that these guys can still perform at a high level and I think some of the poster's points that Hafeez specifically is on a downward slope is undeniable. I would be very annoyed if both of them made the lineup in these games. You should only play one of them alongside Khushdil and Ifti. Essential that you have one experienced hand in the lower middle order. I am interested to know who else you guys would recommend to play in the lower middle order aside from Malik?

I'm also torn on the inclusion of Rizwaan as the keeper. I think the lad is the best keeper that Pakistan has, however his ability to clear the rope consistently is suspect. That said I absolutely do not want Kamran Akmal anywhere near this squad. Hopefully Sarfraz can bring his game back up to the required level in coming months and Rohail and Bismillah Khan can perform consistently in the PSL.

As regards Usman Qadir we need to see how he does in the international arena before we make a judgement on him. A lot of people wanted to see Umer Khan given a go, however misbah specifically wants to use a wrist spinner in the team as they are very effective in T20 (see Kuldeep and Chahal) and there aren't many other alternatives to Shadab right now. Same goes for Musa who is a young lad. It's hilarious how people have already given up on Musa despite his young age. He could still come good and be amazing for Pakistan.

I don't see Amir's exclusion as a big deal because he will surely come back in later squads. I'm not a huge fan of his attitude as well as his entitlement but the fact remains that's even when he's not taking wickets he is able to keep things relatively tight. Wahab I'm not too sad to see go. I can completely understand Shaheen's selection but don't really want to see this boy anywhere near this format. Delighted for Harris Rauf and glad to see Hasnain persevered with because that boy has the raw materials to be a real difference maker for Pakistan.

I'm most interested to see how Ammad Butt performs in this series. It's absolutely essential that he plays all the games. Pakistan have been looking for a proper all rounder ever since Razzaq's retirement and hopefully this guy is the answer to our prayers.

I'm interested to see how Ahsan Ali does. Given that there are no other openers in the squad, looks like he will play all the games. Unless they're thinking about playing Hafeez as an opener (hope not).

I would really like if we drop Immad Wasim for all these games as we know what he offers us and need to try out the other guys.

One last general point: I genuinely don't understand what people want from Misbah. I fully on board that some of his selections have been erratic but you are never going to please everybody. People keep saying drop Shadab but can people offer an alternative that is consistent and good enough to replace him? People are not happy with Ahsan Ali's inclusion because of his fitness but can people offer a high-performing opener in his Stead who has played high quality attacks? Are there any other reliable lower middle order batsman who can play maturely in high pressure situations like Malik? If there are let's talk about them otherwise let's back this squad as there's plenty to look forward to, including:

1) Ahsan Ali's opening role
2) Khushdil and Ifti's finishing ability
3) Ammad Butt's effectiveness as an all rounder
4) Haris Rauf's performance at international level
5) Hasnain and Haris in combination
6) Shaheen Shah playing as the Spearhead of the attack
7) Usman Qadir in comparison to Shadab

Thanks!

Seems like you don't post much, but when you do post, it's very mature and objective.

A breathe of fresh air in a thread where all we have are emotional outbursts from people who are upset at either their favorite getting dropped or someone getting picked.

Overall, a balanced squad, focused on youngsters and debutants. Some experience can help, but Hafeez is way better than Malik.

POTW!
 
Malik and Hafeez are depressing selections.

I like the Amad Butt selection. I hope he gets some game time.
 
Wow, quite a Spectrum of reactions on here. Have to say I have mixed feelings on the squad. I am generally not a big fan Hafeez or Malik, however I do feel that we will require at least one of them to shore up the middle order in the World Cup.

Malik and Hafeez are past it to be shoring up any middle order. Plus it's only T20 where all the other teams will be going hard and fast all the way through the innings. Trust Misbah to start bringing his negative and cowardly mindset into proceedings.
 
Experience is great if you have something to share, these guys are perennial failures and because Shazad and Umar Akmal couldnt be picked because of the poor performances against Sl, we return to these old failures. Their selection is a step to nowhere.

Just hope they don't get treated in the same disgraceful manner as Akmal and Shehzad got meted out to them once they fail (not if) by the deranged Misbah.
 
Misbah’s strategy so far: pull a few wildcard names for each tour and use the inexperience to cover up glaring issues. Funny how Sarfraz was called out to play his buddies. Misbah is literally filling up the pakistan team with his cricketing family. What’s next? Return of Saeed Ajmal?
 
Luckily, most fans can see past the random wildcard picks and the sweet talking by saviour Misbah after each squad announcement. What does he take us for, a bunch of fools?
 
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Misbah is desperate. Nothing has worked for him in T-20s.

He brought back Akmal and Shahzad, they failed. Fakhar and Asif failed. Haris failed. Sarfraz failed. Imam failed. The current batting standards of Pakistan are depressing. He has played safe here by picking Hafeez and Malik. That's the only logical explanation of their selection.
 
Pictures of training camp ahead of the T20I series (courtesy of the PCB)

17abb240-52ae-4fe6-8ab8-f13651bf6320.jpgdce43682-d286-459a-93be-23673537f03b.jpg5a8558bd-428d-4f11-9174-d7238a833d60.jpg10e55f76-dcd8-452f-bb16-fd2dc8fe0cf8.jpg8d79f2cc-d89c-417b-bfd9-ffe07fd24769.jpg
 
Everything positive that was in this squad is spoiled by those two picks of Malik / MoHa. Considering that 2021 WC is in India, I believe they will be allowed to drag their Pakistan career for two more years. Quite harsh call for Wahab in that regard and I am not complaining for Amir for sure.

PS: congrats to Mian Malik for an international career spanning 4 decades; to my knowledge, only three other cricketers achieved that - Wilfred Rhodes, Sir JB Hobbs & SR Tendulkar. Have to say - quite worthy & befitting company for Malik indeed.

Jayasuriya as well. Gayle might play this year's world T20 too
 
Misbah is desperate. Nothing has worked for him in T-20s.

He brought back Akmal and Shahzad, they failed. Fakhar and Asif failed. Haris failed. Sarfraz failed. Imam failed. The current batting standards of Pakistan are depressing. He has played safe here by picking Hafeez and Malik. That's the only logical explanation of their selection.

Completely agree. Misbah's selection at the moment lacks vision. After World T20 2016, excluding the time since king misbah took over, Pakistan only lost 3 T20s and winning all the series. That was under Sarfaraz's leadership and that formula and selection worked. Misbah just recycled players every single T20 series in order to win something but little does he know is that his defensive mindset in coaching is killing the gains done by Mickey in limited over. Really dark times ahead for Pakistan cricket with Misbah incharge. I think t his trend will continue until World T20 2020, where Pakistan will lose miserably and then Misbah would be deservingly fired. This guy should be kept away from Pakistan cricket.
 
Anyone seen KP's latest tweet? Think Shezzy is playing Twitter politics again :))
 
Anyone seen KP's latest tweet? Think Shezzy is playing Twitter politics again :))

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Good to see Akif Javed there as well. Guy has a lot of potential, if he can put in the hard yards there is a good future ahead.
 
[MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION]. Akif Javed is around 6ft1 - 6ft3. Good height? :faheem
 
I would have selected Shehzad. He was only second to Babar in the National T20 Cup. I think players like him who are very low on confidence need more than just 2 chances at the international level when making a comeback.

Overall, a much better squad than the one they sent to Aus. At least, this squad has players who can somewhat bat in T20s.
 
I would have selected Shehzad. He was only second to Babar in the National T20 Cup. I think players like him who are very low on confidence need more than just 2 chances at the international level when making a comeback.

Overall, a much better squad than the one they sent to Aus. At least, this squad has players who can somewhat bat in T20s.

I wouldn't select him but along with U.Akmal he was treated disgracefully by Misbah in the recent SL series as though both were some sort of freak circus act.

They were brought in, then discarded at the same time for the third match in the series. Thus they were thrown under the bus and made into scapegoats for that debacle. I'm surprised Shehzad hasn't made more out of that sorry episode.

But credit to the lad for not making such a big deal of it in public and still saying the right things. Whilst Misbah as turned to another due in the shape of Malik/Hafeez as a convenient pass the buck clause.

When things will inevitably go wrong, these two will face the ire of the fans to deflect the attention away from the ridiculous leadership and chief selector role of Misbah.
 
Pathetic squad. No Amir, and Misbah has recalled Hafeez and Malik against a weak side to secure their spots. This guy is going destroy our cricket.
 
What’s his pace and can he swing it ?

There was no speed gun in national T20 cup unfortunately but my estimation is he was bowling around 140kph and some deliveries were faster than that. Yes he was able to get good shape on the new ball which along with his smooth action and good height were prominent aspects. He is also in IU team as an emerging player.
 
Has any reason been given for his presence? Are they inviting some talented youngsters or just adhoc net bowlers?

He is rated highly by Misbah so its just to give him exposure with national team and Waqar.

Just to shed bit more light Akif Javed was discovered by National cricket academies remote areas program and If I am not wrong few months ago he was noticed by Misbah in the nets who was impressed and that led him to his selection for Balochistan region in national T20 cup where he took some impressive wickets and bowled well. So he is being rated in the circuit and I think its good to have him in the national team nets.
 
Usman Qadir has really worked on his fitness. Remains to be seen though if he's actually any good.
 
To be honest I dont really understand what the playing 11 will be from the squad. Way too many bits and pieces players and well they seem to be building the middle order around Malik which has not turned out well for us in recent times. Musa Khan is again a poor selection and Aamir could easily have come ahead of him. Even Hasnain. Massive lack of consistency in selection principles from Misbah.
 
Ahsan Ali, Amad Butt in conversation with Shan Masood

Lahore, 20 January 2020:

With only three days left in the first match of the T20I series against Bangladesh, Ahsan Ali and Amad Butt are optimistic to leave a mark at the international level. The two were among three uncapped players named in the 15-player line-up for the three home T20Is, which will be played in Lahore on 24, 25 and 27 January.

Talking to Test cricketer Shan Masood in an exclusive interview, the pair reflected on how it will look to take inspiration from the performances in the domestic events.

Ahsan impressed in the last edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League in 2018 as he scored 178 runs in eight matches batting at the top of the order for Quetta Gladiators. The 26-year-old scored 131 runs at a strike rate of just under 149 in the National T20 Cup in October, which pressed his case further for selection.

In the same tournament, Amad, who turned out for Balochistan, the eventual finalists, scored 80 runs at a strike-rate of 170 and took 10 wickets at an economy-rate of 7.62. The 24-year-old was part of Pakistan’s squad that won the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Bangladesh in November.

When Shan asked which performances, in particular, they would take inspiration from, Ahsan said: “Our qualifier against Peshawar Zalmi [in the last season] is a memorable contest for me. I played a crucial role in my side’s win by scoring 46 [his highest score that tournament] over the course of a crucial [111-run] partnership with Shane Watson. I had not played the last two matches so I was under a lot of pressure.”

Amad recalled the semi-final of the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup against the archrivals, India. “At one stage in our match against India, we were almost out of the game. Then suddenly our fielding clicked and we got a run-out. I had to defend eight off the last over and their main batsman was at the crease. You know, matches against India are full of pressure as people take a keen interest in them. I am glad that I was able to deliver in it.”

Speaking about his fitness regime ahead of his selection in the national side, Ahsan told Shan, his teammate in the Pakistan Cricket Club and National Bank of Pakistan sides, he had given up on his favourite dish Biryani along with rice, roti and sweet dishes to meet the desired fitness levels.

“There has been a significant change in the past 31 days since I have been at the NCA. I used to eat Biryani a lot, but I have given up on it. I have also stopped eating rice, roti, and sweet dishes as we have to take light diets.”

Recalling the moment when he was informed about his selection for the Pakistan national men’s team, Ahsan said: “No matter how much I emphasis on it, I won’t be able to put my happiness in words. Every player wants to play for Pakistan. I am blessed that I have gotten the opportunity to play alongside those players whom I once used to desire to meet.”

Amad told Shan: “I was in Mardan when I got to know. To know that I am about to achieve my goal of playing for Pakistan was an extraordinary feeling, which cannot be explained. It adds extra responsibility because you want to do something for your country. I am praying to God to help me play a role in my country’s win in the upcoming matches, even if it is by scoring a single.”

The first ball of the first T20I on Friday is scheduled to be delivered at 2pm (PST).
 
Wow, quite a Spectrum of reactions on here. Have to say I have mixed feelings on the squad. I am generally not a big fan Hafeez or Malik, however I do feel that we will require at least one of them to shore up the middle order in the World Cup. However this comes with the caveat that these guys can still perform at a high level and I think some of the poster's points that Hafeez specifically is on a downward slope is undeniable. I would be very annoyed if both of them made the lineup in these games. You should only play one of them alongside Khushdil and Ifti. Essential that you have one experienced hand in the lower middle order. I am interested to know who else you guys would recommend to play in the lower middle order aside from Malik?

I'm also torn on the inclusion of Rizwaan as the keeper. I think the lad is the best keeper that Pakistan has, however his ability to clear the rope consistently is suspect. That said I absolutely do not want Kamran Akmal anywhere near this squad. Hopefully Sarfraz can bring his game back up to the required level in coming months and Rohail and Bismillah Khan can perform consistently in the PSL.

As regards Usman Qadir we need to see how he does in the international arena before we make a judgement on him. A lot of people wanted to see Umer Khan given a go, however misbah specifically wants to use a wrist spinner in the team as they are very effective in T20 (see Kuldeep and Chahal) and there aren't many other alternatives to Shadab right now. Same goes for Musa who is a young lad. It's hilarious how people have already given up on Musa despite his young age. He could still come good and be amazing for Pakistan.

I don't see Amir's exclusion as a big deal because he will surely come back in later squads. I'm not a huge fan of his attitude as well as his entitlement but the fact remains that's even when he's not taking wickets he is able to keep things relatively tight. Wahab I'm not too sad to see go. I can completely understand Shaheen's selection but don't really want to see this boy anywhere near this format. Delighted for Harris Rauf and glad to see Hasnain persevered with because that boy has the raw materials to be a real difference maker for Pakistan.

I'm most interested to see how Ammad Butt performs in this series. It's absolutely essential that he plays all the games. Pakistan have been looking for a proper all rounder ever since Razzaq's retirement and hopefully this guy is the answer to our prayers.

I'm interested to see how Ahsan Ali does. Given that there are no other openers in the squad, looks like he will play all the games. Unless they're thinking about playing Hafeez as an opener (hope not).

I would really like if we drop Immad Wasim for all these games as we know what he offers us and need to try out the other guys.

One last general point: I genuinely don't understand what people want from Misbah. I fully on board that some of his selections have been erratic but you are never going to please everybody. People keep saying drop Shadab but can people offer an alternative that is consistent and good enough to replace him? People are not happy with Ahsan Ali's inclusion because of his fitness but can people offer a high-performing opener in his Stead who has played high quality attacks? Are there any other reliable lower middle order batsman who can play maturely in high pressure situations like Malik? If there are let's talk about them otherwise let's back this squad as there's plenty to look forward to, including:

1) Ahsan Ali's opening role
2) Khushdil and Ifti's finishing ability
3) Ammad Butt's effectiveness as an all rounder
4) Haris Rauf's performance at international level
5) Hasnain and Haris in combination
6) Shaheen Shah playing as the Spearhead of the attack
7) Usman Qadir in comparison to Shadab

Thanks!

Finally someone with a sensible view on the squad that has been selected. Too much emotion from so many people on this site. It is easy to criticize. I am looking forward to good things ahead for Pakistan cricket. I would urge everyone to be positive and support our team.
 
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