Rashid happy over exclusion of Zaman, Haris from ICC World Cup squad
He says Pakistan don’t have a backup plan
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif stated on Friday that he is concerned about the backup plan of the national men’s side ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023, which begins in India next month.
Latif said if there is a disaster in the mega event, players, such as the likes of Zaman Khan and Mohammad Haris, who have not been included the World Cup squad will become first choice for the team.
“Players are checked during the bilateral series but we don’t change our combination. We play bilateral series, Asia Cup, Afghanistan series or even the World Cup in the same manner,” Latif said on his official YouTube channel.
“Abrar [Ahmed], Zaman [Khan], Qasim Akram and Mubasir [Khan] should have been prepared for ODIs one year ago.
“If there is a disaster in the World Cup, we have not made a backup team. Will you bring back the old players then?
“I’m happy that Zaman, Abrar, Haris and Sarfaraz have not been selected. If there is a disaster, like 2003 World Cup when nine players came into the side, you have four players who will automatically become a choice for the team.”
It must be noted that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Friday the men's squad which will take part in this year's ICC World Cup.
The squad will be led by prolific batter Babar Azam.
In an expected change, Hasan Ali has replaced Naseem Shah in the 15-member World Cup squad. Naseen suffered a shoulder injury at the Asia Cup 2023 and is expected to stay on the sidelines for a long period of time.
Ali last played an ODI match for Pakistan in 2022 against West Indies in Multan.
The squad was announced by chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Pakistan squad for World Cup 2023:
Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Usama Mir.
Travelling reserves:
Mohammad Haris, mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed and fast bowler Zaman Khan.
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