Babar Azam is set to lead Pakistan for the third consecutive time at the T20 World Cup as he and the 15-member squad prepare to fly to the USA and the Caribbean for the highly anticipated tournament. With no vice-captain named and no travelling reserves announced, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is placing its faith in a stable squad, largely consisting of players currently engaged in a bilateral series against England.

The Squad and Its Preparation

Pakistan’s bilateral series against England is a critical preparatory ground for the T20 World Cup. With most squad members participating, the series offers a valuable opportunity to fine-tune strategies and build team cohesion.

Pakistan’s campaign begins with a relatively easier fixture against the USA. This match should boost confidence and give Pakistan a chance to fine-tune its strategies.

Key Matches in the Group Stage

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup journey kicks off against the USA in Dallas on June 6. It is followed by a high-stakes match against India in New York on June 9. They will remain in New York to face Canada on June 11 before travelling to Lauderhill to play Ireland on June 16, rounding off their group-stage fixtures.

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The subsequent matches against Canada and Ireland are crucial for securing a spot in the knockout stages. These games allow Pakistan to solidify their combinations and address any weaknesses.

SWOT Analysis of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 Squad

Strengths

Pakistan’s primary strength lies in their bowling arsenal, particularly their fast bowlers. The squad boasts express pacers such as Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Amir, and Abbas Afridi. This pace attack is capable of unsettling any batting lineup in the tournament.

• Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi: Both young bowlers have significantly impacted the international stage with their speed and skill.
• Haris Rauf’s Return: Haris Rauf’s inclusion post-injury boosts the squad, providing experience and raw pace.
• Mohammad Amir’s Comeback: Amir’s return to international cricket adds a layer of experience and expertise to the bowling lineup.

Weaknesses

Pakistan’s middle order remains a concern despite a robust bowling lineup and a reliable opening partnership. The lack of consistent performers in the middle overs can be problematic, especially in high-pressure situations.

• Inexperience and Form Issues: Middle-order batters have struggled with form and consistency, raising doubts about their ability to anchor innings or accelerate when needed.
• Fielding Concerns: Historically, Pakistan’s fielding has been weak, and any lapses could prove costly in close matches.

Opportunities

The tournament provides a platform for young talents like Azam Khan and Saim Ayub to showcase their skills on a global stage.

• Azam Khan and Saim Ayub: Both players have shown promise and have the potential to make significant contributions.
• First T20 World Cup Appearances: Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Saim Ayub, and Usman Khan are set to make their T20 World Cup debuts, bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm to the team.
• Amir’s comeback to international cricket after a hiatus presents an opportunity for him to reinstate himself as a premier bowler.

Threats

Pakistan’s batting heavily relies on their openers. If they fail to perform, the team could struggle to post competitive totals due to the shaky middle order.

• Pressure on Top Order: The burden on the openers to consistently deliver could lead to pressure-induced failures.
• Middle Order’s Inconsistency: The unproven middle order poses a risk, especially against stronger bowling attacks.

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad, led by Babar Azam, is a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents. Their formidable bowling attack is their biggest strength, while the middle order remains a potential Achilles’ heel. With strategic preparation and focused execution, Pakistan can be a formidable force in the tournament. Addressing middle-order issues and maintaining high fielding standards will be key to their success.

After Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir has come out of his retirement and after positive discussions with the PCB, is now available to play for Pakistan in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Amir took to social media to announce the same and wrote, “I still dream to play for Pakistan!”

Amir comes out of retirement

Mohammad Amir took to social media to inform that he would be available to play for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024. According to him, after discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board, he decided to do this for his country.

During the recent Pakistan Super League (PSL) match between Quetta Gladiators and Lahore Qalandars at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, Mohammad Amir, the talented pace bowler for Quetta Gladiators, found himself embroiled in a moment of fury. A member of the crowd labeled him a “fixer,” igniting Amir’s anger.

In response, he sharply retorted, questioning the values instilled at the individual’s home. This incident not only reflected Amir’s emotional response but also brought back haunting memories of a turbulent phase in his cricketing career.The turbulent chapter in Amir’s journey dates back to 2010 when he, alongside teammates Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt, was implicated in a spot-fixing scandal at Lord’s.

The scandal, orchestrated through a British newspaper sting operation, cast a shadow over Amir’s promising career trajectory. Consequently, he faced severe consequences, including cricket bans and imprisonment. This period marked a significant downturn in Amir’s career, tarnishing his reputation and shaking the cricketing world.

From Turmoil to Triumph: Mohammad Amir’s Journey of Resilience

Despite the adversity he faced, Amir’s story evoked sympathy from many quarters. His youth at the time of the scandal garnered understanding from fans and observers alike. After serving his ban, Amir displayed resilience by making a remarkable comeback to international cricket in 2016. His journey from being a fallen figure to a redeemed player served as a testament to his strength of character and determination to overcome challenges.

Amir’s recent outburst during the PSL match underlines the enduring impact of the spot-fixing scandal on his psyche. The derogatory remarks hurled at him by spectators triggered raw emotions, hinting at the lingering wounds from past controversies. Despite his efforts to move past the scandal, it remains an indelible part of his narrative, resurfacing in moments of vulnerability.

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As Quetta Gladiators, Amir’s team, secured a place in the playoffs of the ongoing PSL season, the incident serves as a reminder of the complex journey Amir has undertaken. His resilience and determination in the face of adversity continue to define his narrative, showcasing a story of redemption amidst the challenges of professional sports.

In a recent Twitter video shared by Sony Sports Network, fans were treated to a nostalgic trip down memory lane as they revisited two iconic cricketing moments. The videos showcased the brilliance of former Pakistani cricketers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Munawar, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Amir doesn’t just inspire, he defines inspiration

The first video highlighted Amir’s awe-inspiring performance, reminding viewers of his remarkable talent and dedication to the game. With a caption that reads, “Amir doesn’t just inspire, he defines inspiration,” the tweet encapsulates the impact that the left-arm fast bowler had on cricket fans worldwide. From his early rise to stardom to his memorable performances on the field, Amir’s journey remains an enduring source of motivation for aspiring cricketers everywhere.

Watch another never-missing piece

Viewers were treated to a glimpse of Munawar’s masterful bowling as he dismissed none other than the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. The footage serves as a testament to Munawar’s skill and precision on the cricket pitch, showcasing the moment when he outsmarted one of the greatest batsmen of all time. This particular dismissal of Tendulkar stands as a cherished memory for cricket enthusiasts, highlighting Munawar’s ability to rise to the occasion against the best in the world.

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As fans continue to reminisce about these unforgettable cricketing moments, the videos serve as a emotional reminder of the timeless appeal of the sport. Whether it’s witnessing the sheer brilliance of players like Amir or marveling at the skill of lesser-known talents like Munawar, cricket continues to captivate audiences with its magic and moments of brilliance.

The Afro Zimbabwe T10 is going strong and Yusuf Pathan has lit it up well. Facing Mohammad Amir, the Indian batter took a liking to his pace and showed that he can still play in his vintage manner as he launched Amir to the boundary hitting him for 25 runs in the over when his team needed 67 in three overs. Yusuf Pathan’s blitz came a touch late but still provided a lot of entertainment with the Pakistani bowler being given a nice hiding in the death of a T10 encounter.

His aggressive stroke play paid off in the end with his team qualifying for the Finals after successfully chasing 140. Yusuf Pathan alone hit 80 off just 26 balls in what was a marvelous display of unreal and clean ball striking.