Who is selecting Pakistan’s squad for the World Cup 2023?

[Rana]

Honest question. I’ve been reading so many reports about who might and who might not be included in the World Cup squad after Pakistan’s flop show in the Asia cup.

A lot of reporters keep suggesting that discussions have taken place between Zaka Ashraf, Inzimam ul Haq and Babar Azam. Names of current performing Pakistani players are suggested, but the reports also state that Babar Azam either backs the current deflated squad for the Asia cup, or Babar is not in favour of other players suggested to him.

So my question now is, when your senior PCB hierarchy can clearly see issues with the current squad in comparison to India (a clear favourite to win the cup), why then do they need to even ask Babar if ‘he would like a player who they feel is the right kind of player’?

Isn’t it plain obvious that Babar doesn’t really have a grasp of what is required? And that these decisions should not be made by him. Simply put, the PCB and the selection committee honestly do not have to ask Babar anything, they are totally entitled to make the decision for him and let him work with those players that they feel are correct.


If Babar is the one selecting all 15 players, who clarifies this and who will state on record that the success and failure of this squad rests entirely on the shoulders of Babar Azam?

 

[saqib.rai]

The selection committee is really hopeless in the situation that you have described, in 2019 M.Hasnain was selected and he ended up sitting on the bench in all the matches. The captain and coach have the final say in the playing 11 so selecting someone in the 15 without the captain's approval doesn't make any sense.

Ideally, the selection committee should only give replacements and not involve themselves in dropping a player. That should be left to the team management (captain and coach). This is how roles should be defined.

For example, the team management feels Usama Mir should be dropped. They should ask the selection committee for a replacement. But the selection committee cannot emphasize on Usama Mir being dropped. They should ONLY provide replacements.

In this way, accountability can be done.

 

[Asad T]

For most countries, it's usually an open discussion between the selection committee, captain, and coach. So no, it does not just rest with Babar but he will have a big influence
But Pakistani Cricket is special, so I am sure there is influence from others as well. It's hard to say and one can only speculate

 

[daytrader]

The head of the technical committee ofcourse - Sir Misbah ul haq. At the moment he seems hands off but he's coming to intervene. Babar will have no choice but to listen. I hope he makes Rizwan open and drops Babar to 4

 

[Cricket Warrior]

I think that Babar Azam may have been attempting to influence the selection of his preferred friendship eleven, which is likely causing a delay in announcing the squad.

 

[Major]

The head of the technical committee ofcourse - Sir Misbah ul haq. At the moment he seems hands off but he's coming to intervene. Babar will have no choice but to listen. I hope he makes Rizwan open and drops Babar to 4

Misbah doesnt have much say.

Chief selector has final say

 

[Rana]

I think that Babar Azam may have been attempting to influence the selection of his preferred friendship eleven, which is likely causing a delay in announcing the squad.

That’s exactly what is happening

They’ve probably all shared some memes and tik tok videos in their WhatsApp group and all is forgotten.

-Shaheen getting humbled against India and Sri Lanka is forgotten

-Shadab bowling pies twice in a row is forgotten

-Imam playing Judas leaking secrets is forgotten

these are Babar’s friends, and Babar is a yaara da yaar

 

[Rana]

Babar knows he’s got the PCB by the neck too. He can threaten to walk out on the eve of the World Cup if he doesn’t get his way in selection.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Misbah doesnt have much say.

Chief selector has final say

Babar has the final say dude.

Keep my words Fakhar and Shadab both will get selected into the worldcup squad.

 

[Farabi]

Babar has the final say dude.

Keep my words Fakhar and Shadab both will get selected into the worldcup squad.

And they should be selected in the squad!

 

[mesmerizer85]

Hasan Ali (babars old pal) is also going to come in, and maybe Abrar

 

[mominsaigol]

And they should be selected in the squad!

Nice joke.

 

[mominsaigol]

Babar has the final say dude.

Keep my words Fakhar and Shadab both will get selected into the worldcup squad.

Shadab yes. Probably not fakhar, he ain't in the friendship 11 circle. Fakhar has been done dirty by the management for a long long time.

He got the boot from opening in t20 and he was in the midst of getting dropped has the 2 centuries against new zealand not happened.

He also initially got dropped from the playing 11 against Sri Lanka but last minute changes got made due to imam and saud sitting out via injuries.

 

[mominsaigol]

Babar knows he’s got the PCB by the neck too. He can threaten to walk out on the eve of the World Cup if he doesn’t get his way in selection.

Wouldn't that be a good thing?

It might allow us to test some new blood lol.

 

[ArabKnight]

Babar knows he’s got the PCB by the neck too. He can threaten to walk out on the eve of the World Cup if he doesn’t get his way in selection.

Babar Azam is basically an introverted Akmal at this point.

 

[mominsaigol]

Babar Azam is basically an introverted Akmal at this point.

That's a bit harsh. We're making assumptions about babar threatening pcb, Theirs zero evidence supporting this.

Also babar doesn't go around doing drama bazi like the akmal brothers do. Babar is a decent batsmen.

Its just similar to kohli he's a clueless captain, kohli captaincy got exposed as soon as Dhoni retired showcasing Dhoni was actually the captain with kohli being the dummy captain really. As soon as Dhoni left, Kohli led his team to lose against pak by 10 wickets and Mz by 9 wickets hence he stepped down to allow rohit to take over

The other thing is media hype. Babar is a good batsmen but he isn't anywhere close to world's best. Icc rankings and media hype have shoved him into a position he's clearly not capable of being In, but Babar is far far superior to the akmal brothers as batsmen lol. It isn't even close as to how much better he is then them.

 

[adi_62941]

We should field the same squad as we did in the Asia Cup. Babar has been building this team over the past 2-3 years, and just one tournament should not determine the fate of our long-term planning. While we can consider including Abrar and Abdullah, the playing eleven should remain the same as in the Asia Cup. Otherwise, we could face a significant disaster

 

[mominsaigol]

According to reports zaka ashraf rejected babar and Inzi's squad.

 

[Rana]

According to reports zaka ashraf rejected babar and Inzi's squad.

Aithe rakh

Must have been a joke Squad like the one exposed at the Asia cup

 

[mominsaigol]

Aithe rakh

Must have been a joke Squad like the one exposed at the Asia cup

According to reports, the reason why it was rejected was because it was the exact same team they were sending to the world cup with zero charges made from the Asia cup squad. Only difference was 2 players were removed but I don't know which 2 players.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

I would be wary of making too many changes. Like removing Fakhar would be a poor decision. He is the only one in the entire squad, apart from Bobby, who has at least 75 caps.

 

[gazza619]

The captain should always make the final call, but if the captain is dumb then that makes things complicated

 

[gazza619]

I would be wary of making too many changes. Like removing Fakhar would be a poor decision. He is the only one in the entire squad, apart from Bobby, who has at least 75 caps.

Agreed. Fakhar is probably the only guy in the squad who has the capabilities to score a double ton

 

[mominsaigol]

Agreed. Fakhar is probably the only guy in the squad who has the capabilities to score a double ton

Yh but pakistan can't afford to always be one down in the first 5 overs just to hope for that double ton.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Agreed. Fakhar is probably the only guy in the squad who has the capabilities to score a double ton

And provides much-needed experience. India, Australia, NZ and England have around 7 players in the 75 cap + in the squad. PAK and SA don't have that and that could be crucial.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

The top 3 are probably not going to change.

Fakhar is a double edged sword.

You hope he will fire but you know he probably wont.

You include him ONLY because rest of your team likes to watch paint dry.

You include Imam because you have invested too much in a low ceiling player.

Babar picks himself.

 

[Babeikh]

Looks like only us, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are yet to announce our World Cuo squads. Are we going to be the last ones to announce it? Surely squad needs to be leaving for India in the next week. Want them to get on with it and announce the squad.

 

[BouncerGuy]

I think we might be looking for some changes to be made. But yes the squad should now be announced as a team will be leaving for India next week and we have a practice match to follow on the 29th.

 

[Rana]

I think we might be looking for some changes to be made. But yes the squad should now be announced as a team will be leaving for India next week and we have a practice match to follow on the 29th.

Pakistan quick to announce their playing XI but unsure about their actual squad

 

[Rana]

My plea to the PCB is to not let the fate of the nation to solely rest in the hands of Babar Azam

It’s a 50 over World Cup for God’s sake, not a bilateral 5 match series against a B string side!

 

[BouncerGuy]

Pakistan quick to announce their playing XI but unsure about their actual squad

To announce playing 11 is generally not that hard when you have only 15 players on the bench. But to select a squad is a huge task as multiple factors come in it. Form, recent performances, importance in the playing condition, etc.

 

[Third Man]

Come on already. The suspense is killing me. Reports are suggesting they're not going to make too many changes to the squad. If that's the case, what's taking so long?

 

[Babeikh]

Come on already. The suspense is killing me. Reports are suggesting they're not going to make too many changes to the squad. If that's the case, what's taking so long?

Gup shup, chai, parathas, samosas.

No reason to take this long at all.

 

[Rana]

Gup shup, chai, parathas, samosas.

No reason to take this long at all.

PCB canteen samosas…take your time and enjoy them

 

[PakPremi]

Rumour has it Wasim J, Faheem, Usama and Haris are out.
Hasan Ali, Zaman K, Abrar, Saud S and Abdullah S are in.
Unfair on Usama but Abrar probably is safer bet. Hasan A will make fans cry and Wasim J would had been better option.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Rumour has it Wasim J, Faheem, Usama and Haris are out.
Hasan Ali, Zaman K, Abrar, Saud S and Abdullah S are in.
Unfair on Usama but Abrar probably is safer bet. Hasan A will make fans cry and Wasim J would had been better option.

So there is no backup keeper now in the squad if Haris is not in the reserves as well. what a joke. Fine with other changes though.

 

[Third Man]

Rumour has it Wasim J, Faheem, Usama and Haris are out.
Hasan Ali, Zaman K, Abrar, Saud S and Abdullah S are in.
Unfair on Usama but Abrar probably is safer bet. Hasan A will make fans cry and Wasim J would had been better option.

Where's our new ball bowler? I don't see one here.

 

[Babeikh]

Hasan is fine. To be fair he has performed well in domestic and shown the right attitude but it is pretty much guaranteed that he will drop a crucial catch at some point in the tournament.

 

[Rana]

So there is no backup keeper now in the squad if Haris is not in the reserves as well. what a joke. Fine with other changes though.

Apparently Imam can keep if needed

From what I have seen of Imam, he is scared of the ball touching him.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Apparently Imam can keep if needed

From what I have seen of Imam, he is scared of the ball touching him.

LOL. So we are playing Imam as a keeper who has never kept the wickets before, that too in the WORLD CUP bro. Seriously? If that is the plan then hats off to the selectors.

 

[Babeikh]

We are allowed 3 injury reserves so a back up keeper can be in that three in case Rizwan gets injured

 

[Rana]

LOL. So we are playing Imam as a keeper who has never kept the wickets before, that too in the WORLD CUP bro. Seriously? If that is the plan then hats off to the selectors.

This is how they have been fooling people for a long time. The excuse they will use this time is that Sarfaraz also didn’t have a back up keeper in his squad for the 2019 World Cup.

I’m sorry but two wrongs never make a right. This is blatant politics, not thinking the best for the country

 

[Rana]

We are allowed 3 injury reserves so a back up keeper can be in that three in case Rizwan gets injured

Rizwan will play through injury. He is probably injured right now too but won’t step aside

 

[BouncerGuy]

Rizwan will play through injury. He is probably injured right now too but won’t step aside

That is the irony of this team. Players don't want to rest even if they are injured as well because they think that they might loose their spot in the team.

 

[King_Babar]

When is PCB announcing squad? Are we the last ones to announce?

 

[PakPremi]

Where's our new ball bowler? I don't see one here.

The notorious Hasan Ali I guess. No when can replace Naseem.

 

[PakPremi]

If Imad manges to get slected as well, and he has a good chance, then he will also open bowling.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Rumour has it Wasim J, Faheem, Usama and Haris are out.
Hasan Ali, Zaman K, Abrar, Saud S and Abdullah S are in.
Unfair on Usama but Abrar probably is safer bet. Hasan A will make fans cry and Wasim J would had been better option.

Too many rumors, everyone is saying something different.

PCB has kept everyone guessing, only Naseem being replaced is entirely certain.

 

[Rana]

The notorious Hasan Ali I guess. No when can replace Naseem.

Hasan Ali will get selected because he took the opportunity of making himself prominent on Twitter following Naseem’s injury

It’s ok, he only sets himself up for more humiliation at the world stage

 

[PakPremi]

Too many rumors, everyone is saying something different.

PCB has kept everyone guessing, only Naseem being replaced is entirely certain.

I think what I listed will be closest bar one name. There is big differences for/against possibly two players, and I guess Imad and Hasan Ali maybe those two, Amir I think is big no no between many selection stakeholders.

 

[shamaan]

According to reports zaka ashraf rejected babar and Inzi's squad.

What was babar and Inzi squad?

 

[Rana]

Apparently a ‘surprise’ inclusion in the squad

If it’s Hassan Ali, that will be so underwhelming

 

[Ali Active]

Suprise might be Haris sohail or M.aamir , Hasan Ali is no surprise.

 

[PakPremi]

Suprise might be Haris sohail or M.aamir , Hasan Ali is no surprise.

No I think will be Imad

 

[Rana]

Surprise inclusion Khushdil Shah?

Wouldn’t that be epic

 

[Saj]

I don't expect many changes.

Too late in the day for that and it's obvious some players won't be welcome in the dressing room.

 

[MenInG]

Surprise inclusion Khushdil Shah?

Wouldn’t that be epic

I believe you supported his inclusion before?

 

[Major]

WHy are they not announcing the squad? Are they seriously waiting for a second opinion on Naseem?

 

[Rana]

I believe you supported his inclusion before?

For T20

I think he is a bit misunderstood, and a bit confused about his role.

 

[Rana]

I don't expect many changes.

Too late in the day for that and it's obvious some players won't be welcome in the dressing room.

This is my question though….

Pakistan isn’t welcome in India, who cares about which Pakistani is welcome in the Pakistani dressing room?

In India, they all will automatically be one. It’s the World Cup, not someone’s daawat

 

[Marooned]

Imad should replace Nawaz. No brainer.

Amir Jamal in place of Faheem. Can't believe I'm writing about Faheem Ashraf in 2023. Like he should have been sacked years ago.

I'd rather take 14 players than take Hasan Ali.

 

[Maher96]

Taking its time selecting this squad.

Need some clarity soon.

People are saying Zaka Ashraf needs to sign the squad off.

Inzi has prepared the list a while ago.

Don’t like there will be changes now.

Abdullah will be trusted if Fakhar doesn’t score soon. His fielding is still regarded one of the better options for Pakistan.

Imad even for Usama Mir is not a bad option than throwing Abrar in to fail.

The lower order of Nawaz, Shadab and Imad could well be the 30 overs we need. If the 3 can add 75+ runs to that we could have the winning combination in India but we have Ego issues in Pakistan cricket.

Truth is nobody can share the ball with Shaheen in Naseem’s absence. Need to re-strategise now.

I hope Mickey pulls this one through and gets Imad in at least.

 

[Nado_]

If Abrar is in the loop then maybe he’s the surprise selection

 

[Rana]

If Abrar is in the loop then maybe he’s the surprise selection

Well that’s been on the cards since the India drubbing

A surprise has to be someone out of the blue

 

[Nado_]

Well that’s been on the cards since the India drubbing

A surprise has to be someone out of the blue

Is there some young Unkown pacer in domestic tearing it up, would be awesome if there was but this is just me fantasising. Does anyone remember when M Amir was selected in 2009 t20, was there any hype about him before ? I was just 19 then but it felt like he literally came out the blue

 

[Rana]

Is there some young Unkown pacer in domestic tearing it up, would be awesome if there was but this is just me fantasising. Does anyone remember when M Amir was selected in 2009 t20, was there any hype about him before ? I was just 19 then but it felt like he literally came out the blue

Well Misbah is in charge so he might bring Mohammad Irfan back

 

[TeymurBlake]

With the lack of new ball bowlers in the team or in domestic, Hasan Ali isn't a bad option. Problem is, he is recovering from an injury and hasn't played cricket for sometime.

 

[Third Man]

Is there some young Unkown pacer in domestic tearing it up, would be awesome if there was but this is just me fantasising. Does anyone remember when M Amir was selected in 2009 t20, was there any hype about him before ? I was just 19 then but it felt like he literally came out the blue

He's not exactly unknown but Arshad Iqbal is that young pacer who can actually use the new ball. Would love it if he's the surprise inclusion.

 

[PakPremi]

He's not exactly unknown but Arshad Iqbal is that young pacer who can actually use the new ball. Would love it if he's the surprise inclusion.

Yes I agree Arshad Iqbal is the other likely surprise selection and a very good one. The other one being Imad Wasim, but let's see.

 

[Rana]

He's not exactly unknown but Arshad Iqbal is that young pacer who can actually use the new ball. Would love it if he's the surprise inclusion.

Arshad Iqbal was also slaughtered at Pindi. Another bowler who doesn’t have a clue when you go after him

 

[Third Man]

Arshad Iqbal was also slaughtered at Pindi. Another bowler who doesn’t have a clue when you go after him

I've seen that match, yes. Everybody gets slaughtered at Pindi. I don't think there's a bowler in the world who'd be able to come away with his dignity intact on those Pindi pitches we saw in the PSL. Babar Azam scored a sub-50 ball hundred on that pitch, that should tell you something. Ihsanullah, who looked unplayable in Multan got walloped in Pindi. Besides, I'm looking at Arshad as a new ball bowler. I wouldn't bowl him after 40th over unless he has improved his death bowling.

 

[Babeikh]

So we are just waiting for Zaka Ashraf to sign the piece of paper? That is why it hasn't been announced yet?

 

[hassan918]

Everyone will have their opinion but the final call should be made by the chief selector as he is suppose to be the man who should take the responsibility for this thing. If someone else is selecting the squad then what is the point of being him getting the job of Chief Selector.

 

[mominsaigol]

Everyone will have their opinion but the final call should be made by the chief selector as he is suppose to be the man who should take the responsibility for this thing. If someone else is selecting the squad then what is the point of being him getting the job of Chief Selector.

Pasei Aur goal guppei. Just like microsoft executives get paid millions for doing nothing, aisei system pcb also adopts

 

[BouncerGuy]

I guess they are waiting for naseem shah's medical report to come so they can have and idea if he can make a comeback or not. But I think if he is injured, which he is, then we should replace him with some one and announce the squad as we have to leave this 25th for India. Why delaying it more and more.

 

[Third Man]

Dunia News and Geo are saying that the squad could be announced today after final consultations. Let's see.

 

[Babeikh]

I guess they are waiting for naseem shah's medical report to come so they can have and idea if he can make a comeback or not. But I think if he is injured, which he is, then we should replace him with some one and announce the squad as we have to leave this 25th for India. Why delaying it more and more.

Also I don't trust India. Don't want them to take any opportunity to play any tricks with visas. Need to get the squad finalised.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Hasan Ali rumored to replace Naseem Shah, such a massive drop in quality

 

[BouncerGuy]

Also I don't trust India. Don't want them to take any opportunity to play any tricks with visas. Need to get the squad finalised.

I think the Indian authorities have already made it clear that no visa problems will be faced by the Pakistan team so we are good to go.

 

[mikeypbadana86]

Also I don't trust India. Don't want them to take any opportunity to play any tricks with visas. Need to get the squad finalised.

You gotta be kidding. The players and support staff get visa with no hassles. I am also seeing uproar on empty stadiums for practice match against NZ.

Hyderabad (part of telangana) celebrates ganesh chathurthi (lord ganesha) festival with such intensity , entire polic personnel will be deployed to ensure law and order, coinciding with nz vs pak so the police chose a practice match to be played with out crowd to distribute the security.


Barring this practice match, all marches should be full of crowd.