Pakistan’s World Cup 2023 squad, as announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board, consists of 15 members. The Pakistan Cricket Board has placed its trust in Babar Azam, who faced significant criticism during the Asia Cup 2023, as the captain. Spinner Shadab Khan has been named the vice-captain, and Hasan Ali, who was absent during the Asia Cup, has made a comeback to the team.
The Pakistan cricket team found itself embroiled in numerous controversies following the Asia Cup tournament. Just prior to unveiling the World Cup squad, Mohammad Hafeez, an honorary member of the Pakistan Cricket Board, resigned. Despite these challenges, Pakistan’s cricket team has been announced for the Cricket World Cup scheduled to take place in India.
Babar Azam will lead the team as captain, with Shadab Khan serving as vice-captain. Unfortunately, Naseem Shah, due to a shoulder injury, will be unable to participate in this prestigious event. In his place, right-arm fast bowler Hasan Ali has been included in the squad. Hasan Ali is making a return to ODI matches after a considerable hiatus, with his last ODI appearance dating back to June 2022. Haris Rauf, who sustained an injury during the Asia Cup, has also been retained in the team, and Fakhar Zaman has been selected as well.
Naseem Shah suffered a shoulder injury during the match against India in the Asia Cup, and as he has not fully recovered, he won’t be able to participate in the World Cup. In his stead, Hasan Ali, who has represented the team in 60 ODI matches and claimed 91 wickets, has been included. Hasan Ali was also a part of the 2019 ODI World Cup team.
The Pakistan squad for the World Cup 2023 is as follows:
- Babar Azam (captain)
- Shadab Khan (vice-captain)
- Fakhar Zaman
- Imam ul Haq
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Abdullah Shafiq
- Agha Salman
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Saud Shakeel
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Hasan Ali
- Haris Rauf
- Shaheen Afridi
- Usama Mir
