The enigmatic spinner, Abrar Ahmed, is poised to secure a spot inPakistan’s 15-member lineup for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023, scheduledto kick off in India next month.
Abrar has emerged as a contender due to concerns about Shadab’s recent ODIperformance. While Shadab is assured of a place in the World Cup squad,there is a looming possibility that Shaheen Afridi may assume the role ofvice-captain.
A crucial meeting took place on Sunday between team captain Babar Azam andthe selection committee to finalize the squad. Both the team’s leadershipand the selection committee have reached a consensus to keep changes to aminimum, closely resembling the squad from the recently concluded Asia Cup.
Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq and skipper Babar are scheduled to meet withZaka Ashraf, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) managementcommittee on Monday in Lahore. The ultimate decision regarding the teamcomposition will hinge on Ashraf’s approval.
The official squad announcement is expected to take place next week,likely on Wednesday or Thursday. The selection committee has also takenplayer fitness into account, with Naseem Shah’s shoulder injury likelyruling him out of the entire World Cup.
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This has prompted consideration of alternatives such as Zaman Khan andHassan Ali for the pace bowling slot in the squad. On the other hand, HarisRauf, who suffered a side strain during the Asia Cup, is expected torecover in time for the tournament.
Agha Salman, who had a bruise under the eye, and Imam-ul-Haq, whoexperienced back spasms before the Super 4 clash, are both on the path torecovery and should be fully fit well before the World Cup commences.
