KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in a tight spot as it looks to finalise its 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, Geo News reported citing sources on Thursday.
The PCB will announce the squad after first match of the T20I series against England on May 22 as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has set deadline of May 25 for announcing a 15-member World Cup squad.
It should be noted that Haris Rauf, Usman Khan and Salman Ali Agha did not get a chance to play in Ireland. While, Hasan Ali, who was added to the team as Rauf’s backup, played one match during the Ireland series.
The sources said Rauf would have to prove his 100 percent fitness in the coming days ahead of the World Cup. Whereas, Usman, Salman, Hasan are expected to be incorporated in the squad as travelling reserves.
Pakistan are in Group A of the World Cup alongside arch-rivals India, Ireland, Canada and the USA.
The national side will play their first T20 World Cup match on June 6 against the USA in Dallas. While, the most anticipated clash of titans between Pakistan and India will take place on June 9 (Sunday) in New York.
After concluding the three-match T20I series against Ireland, the Green Shirts have reached England to play four T20Is from May 22 to 30, which would be their last outing before the mega event.
It is worth mentioning that the T20I series would be of significant importance for both teams as just two days after its conclusion, the World Cup will begin in the United States.
Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2024 schedule
June 6: Pakistan vs USA, Dallas
June 9: Pakistan vs India, New York
June 11: Pakistan vs Canada, New York
June 16: Pakistan vs Ireland, Lauderhill
Atique ur Rehman Atique ur Rehman is a senior reporter for Geo News.