The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formally announced its 15-player squad for the forthcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, noting that no reserve players have yet been named.
The global tournament, hosted by the USA and the Caribbean, will commence on June 1. Pakistan will play its inaugural match against the United States at the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Dallas on June 6.
According to a PCB press release, the squad was officially ratified following an extensive two-hour deliberation by the selection committee, which included Abdul Razzaq, Gary Kirsten, Mohammad Yousuf, Wahab Riaz, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Bilal Afzal.
The lineup includes first-time World Cup selections for Usman Khan, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, and Saim Ayub Imad Wasim, who are returning after last participating in the 2016 and 2021 editions, respectively.
The PCB statement highlighted the squad’s strengths: “This is an extremely talented and balanced side with a mixture of youth and experience. These players have been playing together for some time and look well-prepared and settled for next month’s event.”
Additionally, it noted, “Haris Rauf is fully fit and bowling well in the nets. It would have been advantageous for him to play at Headingley, yet we are confident in his continued progress and significant role alongside other strike bowlers in the T20 World Cup.”
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup history stands out significantly. Since the tournament’s inception in 2007 in South Africa, Pakistan has claimed the championship in 2009 under the leadership of Younis Khan and reached the finals in 2007 and 2022 under Shoaib Malik and Babar Azam, respectively. They also achieved semifinal positions in 2010, 2012, and 2021.
Pakistan Schedule Matches
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Jun | USA | Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium | Dallas, Texas |
| 9 Jun | India | Nassau County International Cricket Stadium | New York, New York |
| 11 Jun | Canada | Nassau County International Cricket Stadium | New York, New York |
| 16 Jun | Ireland | Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium | Lauderhill, Florida |
