Saud Shakeel in, Abdullah Shafique out of World Cup squad?

Saud Shakeel is likely to make the cut as Pakistan gears up to finalise their 15-member squad for 2023 ICC World Cup.

Pakistan added Shakeel in their 17-member Asia Cup squad during the third ODI of the recently-concluded series against Afghanistan. As a result, Tayyab Tahir was left out of the equation.

Shakeel’s prowess against spin is expected to work in his favour as Pakistan will be playing on spin-friendly tracks in India.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) faces a deadline of September 5 to finalize their 15-member squad for the World Cup and send the names to the International Cricket Council (ICC). Consequently, it's highly probable that two members from the current Asia Cup squad will not make the cut.

Following careful deliberations between the selectors and team management, it appears that Abdullah Shafique may find himself on the outside looking in when it comes to the World Cup squad.

Selectors are also considering leaving Faheem Ashraf out of the squad, as Mohammad Wasim Jnr is already part of the squad as back-up pacer, who can score handy runs down the order.

It's worth noting that adjustments to the squad can still be made up until September 28th, but any further alterations beyond that date will necessitate approval from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Pakistan likely provisional 15-member squad:

Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi and Usama Mir