Shoaib Akhtar reacts after changes to Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad

Fakhar Zaman, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Haider Ali have all been included in the T20 World Cup squad

PHOTO: AFP

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced three changes to the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 squad on Friday evening.

Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been included in the squad in place of Azam Khan whereas Fakhar Zaman, who was previously included as a reserve player, has swapped places with Khushdil Shah. The last change was the inclusion of Haider Ali at the expense of Mohammad Hasnain.

Giving his opinion on the changes made by the PCB, former speedster Shoaib Akhtar said that "this seems like a much more complete squad now".

Shoaib, however, expressed his disappointment over the non-selection of former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik.

"In my opinion, Malik should have been included in the squad. But I'm still happy with the current changes," he said.

He further said that PCB has made a good decision by strengthening the middle-order, which was previously lacking the experience.

"We have brought stability in the lower order with the inclusion of Sarfaraz Ahmed and Haider Ali. This is a strong team and Pakistan should be able to go far in the competition now," he concluded.

Pakistan is in Group 2 and will open their campaign against India on October 24 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.