PCB Delays T20 World Cup Squad Announcement Amid Selection Concerns

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has halted the announcement of the T20 World Cup squad due to concerns over the selection process. Sources within Geo News report that Naqvi expressed dissatisfaction with the selectors' failure to hold a meeting to discuss the players for the tournament.

Despite not objecting to the specific names of the players, Naqvi emphasized the importance of proper consultation and deliberation. The PCB is expected to announce the squad by the end of the day, ahead of the May 25 deadline set by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Pakistan is the only team among the 19 participating nations that has yet to announce its 15-player squad. They are placed in Group A alongside the USA, India, Canada, and Ireland. Their campaign will commence on June 6 against the USA, followed by a highly anticipated clash with India on June 9.

Meanwhile, the PCB is exploring the possibility of appointing former West Indies legend Viv Richards as the team mentor for the T20 World Cup. Richards' successful stint as a mentor for the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has reportedly inspired the PCB's decision.

However, the PCB faces a potential obstacle in securing Richards' services due to his existing media commitments for the event. The Pakistan squad for the ongoing T20I series against England includes Babar Azam (C), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Usman Khan.

Tags: #PakistanCricket, #T20WorldCup, #PCB, #VivRichards, #TeamMentor