Fast bowler Mohammad Amir has been dropped from Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup, scheduled to be held in England and Wales from May 30.
Junaid Khan, Mohammad Hasnain, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hassan Ali are expected to lead the Pakistani pace attack.
All-rounder Muhammad Hafeez’s availability in the squad is subjected to his fitness, said the chief selector. Meanwhile, Abid Ali has been chosen as a third opener in the squad.
“Amir is an experienced bowler but unfortunately, his performance has not been as per par from last one year. I pray that he gets his rhythm back as seen in Champions Trophy final,” Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq said.
Amir and Asif Ali will accompany the team for the upcoming bilateral series against England, the chief selector announced.
“Asif is probably the best power-hitter in Pakistan, while Amir has the experience and a good record in England,” he said, adding, “These two [Asif and Amir] will provide cover to the World Cup squad and can be drafted into the side by May 23, if required.”
The selector admitted that ‘a little favour’ was given to Imad Wasim as despite failing the fitness test he was selected for the World Cup squad.
“Our World Cup opener is on May 31 against the Windies, which is still six weeks away, and we are confident he will be fully fit and ready to display his vast international experience.”
All World Cup-bound players will take part in further training sessions and attend open media sessions at the Gaddafi Stadium on April 20 and 21.
Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and coach Mickey Arthur will hold their joint departure press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium on April 22.
The team is scheduled to depart for England on Tuesday, April 23.
Pakistan will play their first World Cup match against West Indies at Trent Bridge on May 31, after playing warmup matches against Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
Pakistan squad for World Cup
Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper and captain), Abid Ali, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Shoaib Malik
