Ramiz Raja Concerned Over Delay In Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad Announcement

Former skipper and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has voiced his concerns over Pakistan being the only nation yet to announce their squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to be held in the USA and West Indies.

After Bangladesh announced their squad on Tuesday, May 14, Pakistan remains the only team that has not revealed their lineup for the event. The other 18 competing nations, including India, have already announced their squads in the last two weeks.

While teams have disclosed their 15-member playing groups for the T20 World Cup, which can be altered until May 25, Pakistan has only announced their squad for the Ireland and England series earlier this month. The T20 World Cup squad announcement has been deferred to a later date.

The Babar Azam-led side completed their Ireland tour on Tuesday, May 14, winning the three-match series 2-1 after losing the series opener. They will now travel to England for a four-match T20I series starting on May 22.

There are reports that Pakistan will announce their squad on May 23, a day after the first T20I against England. However, former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja has expressed his concerns over the delay in announcing the 15-player squad.

"Pakistan is the only team that has yet to announce its squad for the T20 World Cup. Out of 20 teams, 19 have announced their squads. I don't understand where Pakistan are stuck," Ramiz said on his YouTube channel.

The former skipper believes that all players are currently being evaluated as the management assesses their potential before finalising the World Cup squad.

"They can't handle the combinations. They are still trying to read the potential. All players are on trial. It feels like every player is on trial," Raja added after Pakistan's bowling unit struggled in the recent series in Ireland.

Bowling Unit Struggles

Pakistan pacers have had difficulty finding their rhythm throughout the series. Shaheen Shah Afridi has taken wickets but has been expensive. Mohammad Amir and Naseem Shah played two games and combined to pick up four wickets while conceding 96 runs.

In the third T20I, Naseem was dropped and Hasan Ali was brought in his place. Hasan conceded 42 runs in three overs at an economy rate of 14.00.

Body Language and Performance

The former cricketer also commented on the body language of the players and questioned the role of Abbas Afridi, who picked up two wickets but gave away 43 runs in the process.

"Some bowlers look under pressure. Hasan Ali had a bad outing, and Mohammad Amir's performance was flat. What is the role of Abbas Afridi? He looks like Saim Ayub, a lost cause. You need to announce the World Cup squad quickly because not each player can be on trial," Ramiz added.