Former cricketer Basit Ali offered his take on a potential Pakistan T20 World Cup squad, sparking discussions among fans. While his picks are unofficial, they provide insights into the team’s strengths and potential selection dilemmas.
Babar Azam’s Leadership Confirmed
As expected, Basit’s squad features Babar Azam as captain. Azam’s consistent batting performance makes him a natural choice to lead the team’s charge for the World Cup title.
Mohammad Amir’s Exclusion Raises Eyebrows
A surprising omission in Basit’s selection is pacer Mohammad Amir. Citing Haris Rauf’s fitness as a factor, Basit suggests Amir might be considered as a backup option. This comes after Amir’s recent return from T20 retirement and his participation in the New Zealand series. The final call on Amir’s inclusion rests with the official selection committee.
New Faces and Experienced Campaigners
Basit’s picks include some exciting young talents like wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris and all-rounder Agha Salman. These inclusions highlight Pakistan’s focus on building a well-rounded squad with a mix of experience and youthful exuberance. Seasoned campaigners like Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah also find a place in his selection.
Road to the Finals: A Grueling Journey
The 2024 T20 World Cup promises to be a thrilling spectacle. Pakistan finds itself in Group A, alongside arch-rivals India. The organizers have scheduled their much-anticipated clash for June 9th in New York.. The group stage format involves four groups of five teams, with the top two progressing to the Super 8 Round. Here, teams will be further divided into groups, with the top two from each group battling for a spot in the semi-finals and ultimately, the finals on June 29th.
Official Selection Still Awaited
It’s important to remember that Basit Ali’s picks are unofficial. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will announce the final squad after careful consideration and player performances in upcoming matches. Fans eagerly await the official announcement to see how the team shapes up for this prestigious international tournament.