The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced three changes to their initial T20 World Cup squad that was announced in September. The side will be still led by Babar Azam while and Haider Ali, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Fakhar Zaman included in the final 15. The marquee tournament is scheduled to begin on 17 October and the summit clash will take place on 14 November. Pakistan is pitted in group A along with teams like India, New Zealand and Afghanistan.
Sarfaraz Ahmed and Haider Ali have replaced Azam Khan and Mohammad Hasnain respectively, while Fakhar Zaman who was initally in the reserves have been added to the main squad.
PCB Chief Selector Mohammad Wasim has come out with an official statement on the newly announced Pakistan squad for the mega event.
Three changes made in Pakistan's @T20WorldCup squad! Haider Ali, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Fakhar Zaman included in the final 15.
More details: https://t.co/eZ9T7RGjfw#HarHaalMainCricket | #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/A9Z4MGsmE8
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 8, 2021
“The three in-form players bring with them wealth of experience and talent, and provide further stability, balance and strength to the side.
“It must be tough for Azam, Khushdil and Hasnain for missing out but they still have a lot to offer in their careers. They are in our future plans as a lot of cricket has to be played post the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 and in the lead up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia.
“I am pleased with the intensity and high quality of cricket that we have witnessed in the National T20. It has not only provided the players excellent match practice in the lead up to the UAE competition, it has also given us the opportunity to closely monitor the player progress and then make decisions that are in the best interest of the side for what will be a cut-throat tournament.”
Newly Announced Pakistan Squad
Pakistan won the 2009 edition of the T20 World Cup and start its 2021 campaign against India on September 24 in Dubai. They then play against New Zealand in Sharjah on September 26 followed by a match against Afghanistan in Dubai on October 29.
The first semi-final will be held in Abu Dhabi on November 10. The second semi-final will be hosted by Dubai on November 11. Both semi-finals have reserve days. The big final will be played in Dubai on November 14, Sunday.
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2021 Schedule
India vs Pakistan 7:30 pm Dubai, October 24
Pakistan vs New Zealand 7:30 pm Sharjah, October 26
October 29: Afghanistan vs Pakistan – 7:30 pm Dubai, October 29
Pakistan vs Runner Up of Group A (A2) – 7:30 pm Abu Dhabi, November, 2
Pakistan vs Winner of Group B (B1) – 7:30 pm Sharjah, November 7