The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not announced the Pakistan squad for the upcoming ICC T20I World Cup. With the tournament starting on June 2nd, each country has until May 1st, 2024 to submit its 15-member roster. In addition, teams will have until May 25th, one week before the start of the tournament, to adjust their lineup.
The PCB plans to announce its members by the final deadline of May 25th. The Green Shirts have been plagued by player injuries and performances since the 2023 ODI World Cup.
In the five matches of the T20I series, Pakistan could not defeat a weakened New Zealand side at home. India’s biggest rivals have sought more time from the ICC before announcing their squad for the tournament in the US.
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When will the PCB announce the Pakistan squad for the T20 World Cup?
Pakistan is expected to announce their squad for the upcoming T20I World Cup just before the final deadline of May 25. The PCB is expected to announce the 15 members who will participate in the tournament on May 23 or May 24.
They cited injuries and poor health of some key players who are competing to catch flights to the United States in June as reasons for the delay. Mohammad Rizwan, Azam Khan and Haris Rauf, who are key members of the T20I set-up, are all nursing injuries for the time being.
With player form being a constant criterion for team selection, players will be judged on their performance in the upcoming bilateral series against Ireland, followed by the bilateral series against neighboring England.
The Pakistan board and selectors are expected to announce the squad after the first T20I against England. Pakistan will play their first match against England on May 22, 2024, two days before the stipulated deadline.
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What did the PCB say about the delay in announcing the squad for the T20 World Cup?
A source close to the Pakistan Cricket Board said all participating countries have scope to adjust their membership by May 25. Pakistan is obliged to announce its members by the same date and intends to meet the deadline.
All these teams have until May 24th to change their squad-wide successors, as subsequent changes will only be allowed based on fitness or injury and only with the approval of the technical committee. That (delay) is not a problem, the official said.
Selectors also want Babar Azam & Co. to develop a strong team bond before moving to the United States. The official added that the PCB has submitted a provisional team to the ICC for promotion purposes.
