Cricket

The Pakistan cricket team has announced its squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, with Babar Azam returning as captain after a brief stint by Shaheen Afridi. The squad features a blend of experienced players and rising stars, but former captain Shaheed Afridi has expressed concerns about the fitness of wicketkeeper-batsman Azam Khan.Afridi, known for his outspoken nature, believes that Khan's fitness is not up to the mark for international cricket. He pointed out that Khan's body language on the field, particularly while batting, bowling, and fielding, indicates a lack of fitness."Fitness is the main thing," Afridi said. "If you are fit, your body language gives it away on the ground. You can't compromise on fitness."Afridi also raised concerns about Khan's wicketkeeping abilities in the West Indies, where the ball tends to stay low. He believes that Khan may struggle to keep against spinners in those conditions."In England, the ball carries behind the stumps," Afridi explained. "But when they'll go to the West Indies, the ball won't carry as much there, it will keep low. I hope he doesn't struggle, but I am worried about his keeping against spinners in West Indian conditions with this fitness."Despite his concerns, Afridi emphasized that he supports the team and wants to see them succeed at the World Cup. He urged the players to focus on their performance and not be distracted by outside criticism."As a senior, my wish is to support every player as the team is going for the World Cup," Afridi said. "After the World Cup, we can discuss and criticize. But for now, I only want to support the boys and want to make sure that they don't get any such message where they feel, 'We are going for the World Cup and this is what Shahid bhai is talking about.'"The Pakistan squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup is as follows:* 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

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has postponed the announcement of its T20 World Cup squad until late May, citing fitness and performance concerns surrounding several players. The PCB intends to reveal its squad on May 23 or 24, adhering to the ICC's deadline for teams to adjust their squads without consulting the WC Technical Committee.The management and selectors are closely monitoring the niggling injuries of Muhammad Rizwan, Azam Khan, Irfan Khan Niazi, and Haris Rauf. Their performances, along with others, during the tours of Ireland and England will be scrutinized before finalizing the squad.The selectors will first announce the squad for the forthcoming tours, after which the team management and selectors will evaluate the fitness and performance of the chosen players before making the World Cup squad public. India, Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand have all announced their WC squads to date."It (delay) doesn't matter because all these teams can change their entire squad by 24th May after that changes can only be allowed on fitness or injury basis with approval of the technical committee," a PCB source said. "That is why the PCB and selectors have decided to hold off until after the first match in England."The source emphasized that the selectors aim to provide Babar Azam and other players with ample time to re-establish their camaraderie and cohesion in the dressing room before unveiling the World Cup squad. This extended period will enable the team to foster the kind of unity and synergy crucial for a successful campaign. The selectors are keen on creating an environment where players feel comfortable and connected, laying a strong foundation for the challenges ahead in the World Cup."For the time being we have sent a provisional squad to the ICC for public relations and promotion purposes," the source said.

Harsha Bhogle Questions Hardik Pandya's Inclusion in T20 World Cup Squad Amid Fitness ConcernsRenowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle has ignited a debate over the inclusion of India all-rounder Hardik Pandya in the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in June. Bhogle's comments stem from Pandya's recent fitness struggles and limited bowling contribution in the ongoing IPL 2024 season.Pandya, who captains the Mumbai Indians in this year's IPL, made a comeback to cricket after a five-month hiatus due to an ankle injury sustained during the ODI World Cup last year. While Pandya initially bowled a few overs in his return matches, his bowling workload has been sporadic, raising doubts over his ability to contribute as an all-rounder.Bhogle pointed out Pandya's waning power-hitting skills and questioned whether he still merits a place in the T20 World Cup squad solely as a batsman if he is unable to bowl consistently. "If Hardik is not bowling, does Hardik make the T20 World Cup squad?" Bhogle questioned, while speaking on Cricbuzz. "Is he among the top six batters in India if he is not bowling? I’m not totally convinced of that because if he is not bowling and he is not finishing as powerfully, he needs to bat up, where all the competition is."Bhogle emphasized the importance of Pandya's all-round abilities in balancing India's playing XI, particularly in the absence of regular bowling options among the top-order batsmen. Pandya's ability to bowl four overs provides a crucial additional bowling option for the team and ensures the presence of at least two all-rounders, with Ravindra Jadeja also in contention.However, with Pandya's fitness and bowling form under scrutiny, his selection for the T20 World Cup could hinge on his ability to regain full fitness and contribute effectively with both bat and ball.