Amir, Wahab, Asif included in World Cup 2019 squad

F.P. Report

LAHORE: Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq on Monday has announced Pakistan’s final 15-member squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

According to details, Muhammad Amir and Wahab Riaz replaced Junaid Khan and Faheem Ashraf in the squad. Asif Ali also replaced Abid Ali in the side. Shadab Khan who was unable to play in the series against England due to illness was retained in the squad.

Fast bowler Mohammad Amir included for the England series had been initially dropped from the World Cup squad. While he did not play in the ODI series against England, Amir has performed well in England in the past.

Chief Selector told media “The bowling unit during the England ODIs has not clicked as anticipated or expected; if we have at our disposal two vastly experienced pace duo of Amir and Wahab, then it will be foolish not to include them”.

“Furthermore, Amir and Wahab give the fast bowling attack more experience and support the relatively inexperienced but immensely talented Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Hasnain.”

On the inclusion on Asif Ali, the chief selector said the batsmen could prove to be an asset for Pakistan in the tournament. 

“It was difficult to replace Abid Ali but the way Asif Ali has batted in the series and the way conditions are we felt a player is required on the sixth or seventh spot who can accelerate.”

The Pakistani bowling failed to impress in the series against England, leading to calls to make changes prior to the World Cup.

Pakistan squad for World Cup

Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper and captain), Asif Ali, Babar Azam, Wahab Riaz, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Shoaib Malik