Abrar Ahmed replaces Shadab Khan in Pakistan’s World Cup squad: Reports

Till recently, Shadab Khan was sure to be in Pakistan’s World Cup squad, but their disappointing campaign in the Asia Cup has raised question marks over the vice-captain’s inclusion in the World Cup squad. Shadab took only three wickets in the entire tournament as Pakistan crashed out of the Asia Cup at the Super 4 stage. Pakistan captain Babar Azam is quite disappointed with the performance of some senior players and Shadab is one of them. Abrar Ahmed is in the race to be included in the World Cup team.

According to GeoNews, the board is also considering some administrative changes. “During their meeting, the chief selector and captain also discussed the fitness problems and poor form of key players,” the report said.

Abrar Ahmed came into the limelight during the Test series against England. Abrar’s ball rotates faster in the air than leg spinner Shadab. This young player has only played the Test format. Abrar has played six matches and taken 38 wickets. His quick success in the longer form and now chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq are pretty happy.

Although Shadab may not be dropped from the World Cup squad, there are reports that the leg spinner will be dropped from the vice-captaincy post. Shaheen Shah Afridi may be given the responsibility of vice-captaincy due to his impressive performance in the Asia Cup as the leader of the bowling attack.

Chief selector Inzamam and captain Babar Azam are soon scheduled to hold a meeting with PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf and the decision will be taken based on his approval. Apart from Shadab, the place of opener Fakhar Zaman is also under doubt. He has failed to score even a single half-century in the Asia Cup. Naseem Shah is also likely to be out of the World Cup.