Pakistan Announced Squad for the T20 World Cup 2024

Pakistan men’s cricket team, the winner of the second T20 World Cup in 2009 is going to participate in the 9^th edition of this format with the hope to gift the nation the 2^nd trophy. This historically unpredictable side has once again shocked the fans with a 5-wicket defeat against Ireland just before the beginning of the World Cup even after showing a fair enough performance with New Zealand a few days back.

However, the Pakistan cricket board has finally unveiled their squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup on 24^th May, 2024 when a series against England has been underway and the management has had close eyes on the performance to make the final selections. Let’s dig into the squad and predict the performance Pakistan can show this time!

The Pak Squad Announcement for the Mega Event

When all the participating teams have already circulated their choices, Pakistan has become the last team to announce their T20 World Cup squad! This probably indicates how much in-depth analysis they have conducted to finalize the names!

So, here are the lucky members of the squad:

1. Babar Azam (Batter & Captain).
2. Saim Ayub (Batter).
3. Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper Batter).
4. Usman Khan (Batter).
5. Fakhar Zaman (Batter).
6. Azam Khan (Wicketkeeper Batter).
7. Imad Wasim (Allrounder).
8. Shadab Khan (Allrounder).
9. Mohammad Amir (Bowler).
10. Shaheen Shah Afridi (Bowler).
11. Abbas Afridi (Bowler).
12. Haris Rauf (Bowler).
13. Naseem Shah (Bowler).
14. Abrar Ahmed (Bowler).
15. Iftikhar Ahmed (Batter).

Analysis of Key Players and Their Roles

After announcing the names, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed their high hope regarding the squad saying that the selected players are extremely talented and the squad is also very balanced.  These players have good records in international as well as in domestic leagues like PCL.

With Babar Azam leading the squad including players like Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rouf, and others, Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad truly looks strong enough. The players like Shaheen Shah Afridi or Naseem have strengthened the bowling side. The return of Veteran bowler Mohammad Amir reversing his retirement to support Pakistan’s World Cup ambitions is notable as well as this player performed brilliantly in several mega events.

Besides, he is the only player in this squad who played in the 2009 T20 World Cup where Pakistan became champion. However, he played his last T20 World Cup in 2016; whereas Imad Wasim, another senior contender played his last T20 World Cup in 2021. Surprisingly, Hasan Ali was left off the roster because of his recent poor form.   

Among these players, the recovery of Haris Rouf is worthwhile as he was suffering from injury for a considerable period. Though the PCB clarified that he is now fit for the tournament, but he is still under observation. The release also confirms that the level of his fitness is improving day by day which is good news for Pakistan as the experience and bowling ability of Haris Rouf is important for Pakistan at such a big stage.

Apart from that, five players—Abrar Ahmed (bowler), Azam Khan (wicketkeeper batter), Mohammad Abbas Afridi (bowler), Saim Ayub (batter), and Usman Khan (batter) will play in their first T20 World Cup. The fans are expecting something charismatic from these young players.

Now, let’s see how the squad performs as their very own World Cup is going to be started on the 6^th of June with a match against one of the hosts, the United States.

Pakistan Men’s Team T20 World Cup History

As we are heading towards the 9^th edition of the T20 World Cup, let’s look back at the beginning of the World Cup in this format. Pakistan reached the final and was about to win the very first T20 title in 2007. But that scoop shot of Misbah broke the hearts of the fans. After that Pakistan continued to be a strong contender in the T20 World Cup over the years. Their greatest achievement was winning the trophy in 2009 under captain Younis Khan, the very next World Cup after 2007. So far, they have appeared 3 times in the finals and made only once.  

However, their recent form gives a mixed vibe. The series level in New Zealand last month did not give much positive signal. Besides, their defeat against novice Ireland indicates the vulnerability of the team.

In the recent times, Pakistan men’s team is focusing on white-ball cricket and building a balanced team of experienced players and young talent under coach Gary Kirsten. Now, let’s see how they perform in this shorter version of cricket following their trend in this format.

Road to the T20 World Cup 2024

After going through the history, let’s see how Pakistan qualified for the awaited World Cup where twenty teams compete this year. As per the rules, the top eight finishers from the previous World Cup; i.e. 2022 earn automatic spots, while regional qualifiers determine the remaining twelve.

These qualifications include multiple sub-regional competitions and regional finals. The top two teams from each region typically advance to the World Cup, ensuring that both established and developing countries compete for the coveted trophy. Being the runner-up of the last World Cup, Pakistan secured their spot automatically this time.

Challenges and Opportunities in This World Cup for Pakistan

Being the shortest version of all international formats, T20 cricket often surprises the fans with unusual results. Pakistan’s history of faltering in high-pressure finals like 2007 could be their biggest hurdle. Their defeat against Zimbabwe in the last World Cup also reminds their sudden helplessness in the middle of the tournament. It’s crucial to have a cohesive team blending youthful energy with seasoned teammates. They will also need to adapt quickly to new environments.

However, Pakistan is well-prepared to compete. The strong batting line-up started with the opening partnership of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan gives a solid foundation in most cases. Muhammad Amir’s expertise and variety enhance their bowling strength as well. With the new potential faces together with the experienced ones, Pakistan aims to restore the history of 2009 once again!

Conclusion

Pakistan’s team, led by Babar Azam, is brimming with potential. The charm of young guns like Abrar Ahmed and Usman Khan blended with the experience of Haris Rouf, Imad Wasim ensures the balance of the team. The return of Mohammad Amir also adds fire to Pakistan’s historically robust bowling attack. The board, players, and their fans wholeheartedly await to see them transform this potential into a memorable and successful World Cup campaign in 2024!