ICC World Cup: Star fast bowler left out, Pakistan announces a surprising squad


XtraTime Web Desk:
 A big shock for the Pakistani cricket fans, as Pakistan on Thursday left out experienced left-arm pacer Mohammad Aamir from its 15-member World Cup squad while including batsman Abid Ali in the line-up.

Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq, announcing the World Cup squad and two reserve players, said the 11 from the 2017 Champions Trophy had been retained in the selection process.
 
Pakistan’s Mohammad AmirPakistan decided against taking out of form bowler Mohammad Amir to World Cup 2019. AFP
“We are hopeful and confident that Pakistan will give a good account of itself in the World Cup,” Inzamam said.
 
The selectors, while not showing faith with left-armer Aamir who has taken just five wickets in his last 14 ODIs since the Champions Trophy two years back, reposed confidence in seniors Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez.
 
Inzamam said that Hafeez’s final inclusion in World Cup was subject to him being 100 per cent fit before the tournament as he is still recovering from a thumb injury.
 
“Doctors have advised him not to bowl or bat now but when his rehab is over he will be back in action in two weeks time,” he added.
 
Inzamam said hard-hitting batsman Asif Ali and Aamir were in the reserves for the one-day series against England and the side matches before the World Cup.
 
Pakistan World Cup squad: Sarfaraz Ahmed (Capt), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abid Ali, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Hafeez, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Hasnain.
 
Reserves: Asif Ali and Muhammad Aamir.