Published: Jan 07, 2015, 08:23 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 07, 2015, 08:28 PM (IST)
Jan 7, 2015
Pakistan picked their 15-member squad for the ICC World Cup 2015 on Wednesday. There were no major surprises, as the likes of Misbah-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi, and Younis Khan lend the side some much-needed experience, while the younger players like Sarfraz Ahmed, Ahmed Shehzad, Junaid Khan, and Haris Sohail have the talent to do well.
According to AFP, chief selector Moin Khan gave leg-spinner Yasir Shah his backing when he said, “I think Shah will be effective… and we have confidence in him.”
Moin went on to say that the team was selected after consultation with Misbah and coach Waqar Younis. “We selected the squad after thorough consultation… and although no one can give assurances of results, we are hopeful that the team will do well,” said Moin.
Paceman Sohail Khan was a surprise inclusion after he took ten wickets in three games in domestic matches in Karachi. The 30-year-old bowler played the last of his five one-day internationals in Zimbabwe in 2011. Sohail said he would try to make his mark in the mega event. “I am happy at my selection after good performances in the domestic matches,” Sohail told AFP. “I will not be in awe of any batsman like (India’s Virat) Kohli or anyone but I will be trying to take wickets in the World Cup to help my team.”
Surprise omissions: Fawad Alam.
Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2015: Misbah-ul-Haq (c), Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Shahid Afridi, Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Younis Khan, Haris Sohail, Umar Akmal, Mohammad Irfan, Junaid Khan, Ehsan Adil, Sohaib Maqsood, Yasir Shah, Sohail Khan, Wahab Riaz.
