XtraTime Web Desk: PCB announced the final squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 on Monday. Junaid Khan and Faheem Ashraf were droppws from the squad in place of Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz.
Asif Ali also replaced Abid Ali in the side. Shahdab Khan who was unable to play in the series against England due to illness rejoined the team was retained in the squad.
“Wahab Riaz is an experienced bowler and knows how to use the old ball and reverse swing,” said chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq.
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.
The Pakistani bowling failed to impress in the whitewash by England, leading to calls to make changes prior to the World Cup.
“We are not bowling and fielding up to the mark but the way we are batting I am very confident for the World Cup…Our openers and middle order are scoring runs and we have to sort out our fielding and bowling,” said skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed.
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