Amir out, Hasnain in as Pakistan announce World Cup 2019 squad

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday announced its much awaited 15-man squad for World Cup 2019, coming as major surprise was the exclusion of fast bowler Mohammad Amir.

The team will be lead by wicket keeper batsman Sarfraz Ahmed announced Pakistan cricket chief selector Inzamam ul Haq. “We have selected the best team, and picked up ten, eleven players from the ICC Champions Trophy,” said Inzamam while addressing a presser.

Players retained from the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 winning party include: Sarfaraz Ahmed (captain), Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Shadab Khan and Shoaib Malik.

Four other players selected for the World Cup are: Abid Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Imam and Shaheen have featured in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2014 and 2018, respectively.

The selectors have also named Asif Ali and Mohammad Amir for the England T20I and ODIs to be played in the lead up to the World Cup from 5-19 May. Mohammad Amir was also part of the ICC Champions Trophy winning squad, and the two players will also serve as cover for the World Cup squad and, if required, can be drafted into the side until 23 May without ICC permission.

The World Cup squad is a combination of three openers, four middle-order batsmen, wicketkeeper/batsman in Sarfaraz Ahmed, two spinners and five fast bowlers.

“Hafeez has not played any cricket for the past 10-odd weeks, but he has always featured in our plans. Although his inclusion in the World Cup squad is subject to fitness, yesterday we got a boost when he started playing with tennis ball with his doctor confirming he will be available for selection for the series against England. Our World Cup opener is on 31 May 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.

“Abid Ali and Mohammad Hasnain have been selected after they cleared their fitness tests at the National Cricket Academy on Thursday morning.

“Abid is the third opener in the side, and has earned a place following a string of high scores, including a magnificent century on debut against Australia last month. Hasnain has been selected due to his sheer pace and speed. He may not have played many ODIs but he has already made an impact by making the top batsmen hop and run in his brief career while also picking up wickets.

“Shoaib Malik and Hafeez have played in World Cups before (Malik 2007, Hafeez 2007 and 2011), which makes them experienced and qualified to provide the required stability to the middle-order. The exuberance of Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam make them the most exciting, talented and entertaining top-three in the world. Sarfaraz is a proven-performer with the bat who has played a number of crucial knocks for Pakistan and his presence further strengthens the middle-order.

“In Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Junaid Khan and Mohammad Hasnain, Pakistan has probably the most attacking and lethal bowling unit, which has variation and variety to take wickets and keep the opponents under pressure.

Pakistan World Cup Squad:

Sarfaraz Ahmed (c), Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shoaib Malik and Abid Ali.

Pakistan will hold training sessions at the Gaddafi Stadium on 20 and 21 April, before departing for London in the wee hours of 23 April. At 115pm on 22 April, Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and coach Mickey Arthur will hold their departure media conferences at the Gaddafi Stadium.