Kamran Akmal picks his Pakistan squad for T20 World Cup 2024

Former wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal unveiled his Pakistan squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, set to be held in the United States and the West Indies starting June 1.

Surprisingly, Akmal omitted Haris Rauf from his final 15-man squad, despite Rauf's recovery from an injury sustained during the Pakistan Super League season 9. Although Rauf missed Pakistan's recent T20I series against New Zealand, he has resumed training.

Akmal opted for a pace attack featuring Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, and Abbas Afridi. He faced a dilemma between selecting an additional spinner in Usama Mir or opting for the versatility of fast-bowling all-rounder Aamer Jamal.

Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam were chosen as the opening pair, while power-hitters Irfan Khan Niazi, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Azam Khan were included lower down the order, known for their ability to make a significant impact with the bat.

Kamran Akmal’s Pakistan T20 World Cup squad:

Babar Azam (c), Muhammad Rizwan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Irfan khan Niazi, Iftikhar Ahmad, Azam khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Usman Khan, Saim Ayub/Abrar Ahmad, Abbas Afridi, Usama Mir/Aamer Jamal