The wait is finally over, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the final squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The much-anticipated tournament is scheduled in the United States and the West Indies from June 4 to 30, 2024. Pakistan, a strong contender for the title, has named a 15-member squad that showcases a mix of experience and youth.
The Pakistan T20 Squad 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024
- Babar Azam (captain)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Azam Khan
- Fakhar Zaman
- Haris Rauf
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Imad Wasim
- Mohammad Abbas Afridi
- Mohammad Amir
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Naseem Shah
- Saim Ayub
- Shadab Khan
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Usman Khan
Preparation and Schedule:
Pakistan’s preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 has been in full swing. The team has been training rigorously under the guidance of head coach Mickey Arthur. Pakistan will play a few warm-up matches before the tournament, including a series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates.
Conferring to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 schedule, Pakistan will play their first match against Afghanistan on June 4, 2024, at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. They will then face England at the same venue on June 6, 2024. Pakistan’s group-stage matches will be played in the West Indies, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the semifinals.
Pakistan ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Schedule:
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 will feature 20 teams divided into two groups of 10 teams each. The highest two teams from each group will succeed for the semifinals, followed by the final on June 30, 2024, at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India.
Pakistan ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 schedule
June 6: Pakistan vs USA at Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Dallas
June 9: Pakistan vs. India at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York
June 11: Pakistan vs. Canada at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York
June 16: Pakistan vs. Ireland at Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida
Pakistan has been placed in Group A as the second seed (A2) for the initial round. Should they advance to the second round, their Super Eight fixtures will be as follows:
June 19: Pakistan vs D1 in Antigua
June 21: Pakistan vs C2 in Barbados
June 23: Pakistan vs B1 in Barbados
Pakistan’s Chances:
Pakistan has a strong squad with a good balance of experienced players and young talent. The team has been performing well recently, and their victory in the 2022 Asia Cup is a testament to their skills. With Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, and Shaheen Afridi in the squad, Pakistan is a contender for the title.
Babar Azam, the captain, has been in excellent form, and his leadership skills have been impressive. Shadab Khan, the vice-captain, has been a critical player for Pakistan in the T20 format, with his all-round skills making him a valuable asset. Shaheen Afridi, the pace sensation, has been troubling batsmen with his speed and accuracy, and his presence in the squad is a big boost for Pakistan.
Pakistan Player Profiles for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024
- Babar Azam (Captain): Recognized as one of the finest batters in modern cricket, Babar is the current captain of the Pakistan national team in all formats. Known for his consistency and elegant stroke play, he ranks among the top players in the world.
- Abrar Ahmed: A talented spin bowler known for his ability to turn the ball significantly. He made an impressive entry into international cricket with his deceptive bowling style.
- Azam Khan: A hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batsman, Azam Khan is known for his aggressive batting in the lower middle order. He has made notable contributions in T20 leagues around the world.
- Fakhar Zaman: An aggressive opening batsman, Fakhar plays boldly. He is known for his rapid scoring ability and was crucial in Pakistan’s 2017 ICC Champions Trophy victory.
- Haris Rauf: A fast bowler discovered through a talent hunt, Haris quickly made a name for himself with his pace and ability to deliver yorkers at crucial moments in the game.
- Iftikhar Ahmed: A versatile middle-order batsman and occasional off-spinner, Iftikhar provides balance to the team with his all-round abilities.
- Imad Wasim: An all-rounder who primarily bowls left-arm orthodox spin and bats in the lower middle order. Imad is valued for his economical bowling and handy batting.
- Mohammad Abbas Afridi: A young and promising fast bowler known for his capacity to swing the ball and uphold a disciplined line and length.
- Mohammad Amir: A left-arm fast bowler known for his swing and seam movement. Amir has been a critical player for Pakistan, although his career has seen ups and downs due to various controversies.
- Mohammad Rizwan: A top-order batsman and wicketkeeper, Rizwan is acclaimed for his consistent performances across formats. His resilience and fighting spirit make him a crucial player in the lineup.
- Naseem Shah: A young fast bowler known for his speed and ability to bowl long spells. Naseem made headlines with his debut as one of the youngest fast bowlers to take a Test hat-trick.
- Saim Ayub: A young, aggressive opening batsman, Saim has shown promise in domestic circuits and is known for his attacking batting style.
- Shadab Khan: A leg-spinner and a capable batsman, Shadab is known for his strategic field placements and sharp cricketing mind, contributing significantly in all formats.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi: A fast bowler known for his height and pace, Shaheen has been a revelation for Pakistan, troubling batters with his swing and speed. He is considered one of the leading fast bowlers in world cricket.
- Usman Khan: A skilled middle-order batsman known for his technique and ability to stabilize the innings. Usman has contributed crucial runs in various domestic and international matches.
Pakistan’s Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pakistan’s strengths include its strong batting lineup, with the likes of Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Haider Ali making it a formidable team. Their pace bowling attack, led by Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, is also a significant strength. However, Pakistan’s weakness is its spin bowling department, which has recently become a concern for the team.