Shadab Khan, who is currently facing challenges with his bowling form, also holds the position of vice-captain for Pakistan in the upcoming World Cup. Pakistan’s talented young fast bowler, Naseem Shah, will miss the ODI World Cup due to a shoulder injury. The final 15-member squad, announced by Pakistan, includes the return of experienced medium pacer Hasan Ali in place of Naseem, who sustained a shoulder injury during an Asia Cup match against India and requires surgery.
This is the primary change in the squad, with Shadab Khan and Mohammad Wasim as the spinners, while Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf continue in the pace attack. Despite Pakistan’s strong performance in the fast-bowling department in recent months, their spin-bowling duo, especially Shadab Khan, has faced notable struggles. Even former players, like Shahid Afridi, have expressed concerns about this. Afridi mentioned discussing this issue with Shadab during a wedding ceremony attended by both players and expressed his willingness to help Shadab improve his spin bowling.
Shahid Afridi also highlighted the need for a spin bowling coach, emphasizing the critical role of spinners during the middle overs of a match. He expressed hope that Shadab would bounce back with the confidence shown by the captain and coach. Pakistan is scheduled to play warm-up matches against New Zealand on September 29 and Australia on October 3 before their World Cup opener against the Netherlands on October 6. The World Cup event will take place in India during October and November.
“When you have a fielding and batting coach, and a fast bowling coach is also there, why not a spin bowling coach?” – Shahid Afridi
“When you have a fielding and batting coach, and a fast bowling coach is also there, why not a spin bowling coach? Spinners’ role is the most important, remember that. Middle-overs are very important, because opposition’s main batters are playing at the time. You have to pick wickets and maintain run-rate,” Shahid Afridi shared details of his discussion with Shadab during the latter’s attendance at Afridi’s daughter’s wedding with Shaheen Shah Afridi.
“We haven’t had the desired performances there. When Shadab came to the wedding, I talked to him, told him whenever you need help, you have Mushi bhai, you have me. He said, Lala, I wanted to ask you about this. I want to bring you to the camp as well. I said I’m always available for you. The way captain and coach has shown confidence on Shadab, we are also hopeful that he makes a comeback,” he concluded.
Pakistan Squad:
Babar Azam (Captain), Shadab Khan (Vice-Captain), Muhammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Wasim Junior, Agha Salman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Osama Mir.
The travelling reserves are Muhammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, and Zaman Khan.
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