The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced its 15-player squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, set to take place in the USA and the Caribbean from June 1 to June 29. This announcement, eagerly anticipated by fans and experts alike, confirms that Babar Azam will lead the squad.

The Selection Process

The selection of the squad was finalized on Friday afternoon (UK time) after a comprehensive two-hour meeting of the selection committee. Key figures in this process included Abdul Razzaq, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Bilal Afzal, Gary Kirsten, Mohammad Yousuf, and Wahab Riaz. Their collective expertise and insights culminated in a well-balanced team designed to tackle the challenges of the T20 World Cup. Notably, Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Saim Ayub, and Usman Khan will be making their T20 World Cup debuts.

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Experienced Players Making a Comeback

Two notable inclusions are Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, who last played in the T20 World Cup in 2016 and 2021, respectively. Their return brings a wealth of experience and skill, which could be pivotal in high-pressure situations. Amir’s prowess with the ball and Imad’s all-round capabilities add significant depth to the squad.

Preparation and Training

The team’s preparation has been thorough, with players maintaining high fitness levels and sharp skills. Haris Rauf, for instance, has been bowling impressively in the nets, with confidence high, despite not playing in the recent Headingley match. The team looks well-prepared and settled, ready to face the rigors of the tournament.

Pakistan’s Historical Performance in T20 World Cups

Pakistan has a storied history in T20 World Cups. They won the 2009 edition under Younis Khan and have reached the finals twice, in 2007 and 2022, under Shoaib Malik and Babar Azam, respectively. Their consistent performances in 2010, 2012, and 2021, where they reached the semi-finals, further cemented their reputation as a formidable T20 side.

Group Stage Challenges

Pakistan is placed in Group A alongside the USA, India, Canada, and Ireland in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Each match in the group stage is crucial, with the clash against arch-rival India on June 9 being particularly significant.

Key Matches to Watch

Apart from the anticipated India clash, Pakistan’s opening match against the USA on June 6 will set the tone for their campaign. Other key fixtures include matches against Canada and Ireland, which are expected to be fiercely contested.

Pakistan Squad: Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan

No reserves have been announced

Player support personnel: Wahab Riaz (senior team manager), Mansoor Rana (team manager), Gary Kirsten (head coach), Azhar Mahmood (assistant coach), Simon Helmot (fielding coach), David Reid (mental performance coach), Aftab Khan (high performance coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Irtaza Komail (chief security officer), Mohammad Imran (masseur), Mohammad Khurram Sarwar (team doctor), Talha Ijaz (analyst), Raza Kitchlew (media and digital manager) and Drikus Saaiman (strength and conditioning coach)