In one of those surprising inclusions in the ICC World Cup 2019, Pakistan Cricket Board called back their premium fast bowler Mohammad Amir to the fold alongside Wahab Riaz. Apart from the bowlers, Asif Ali also got the nod to represent Pakistan in the major event.
Mohammad Amir, who missed the games for Pakistan due to Chickenpox is the surprising pick. Perhaps, they want his experience in the World Cup and also got a good record in the English conditions. The major surprise is the addition of Wahab Riaz, who bowled a sensational spell to Shane Watson in ICC World Cup 2015.
Asif Ali impressed in the series against England:
Wahab Riaz was nowhere close to the team and in fact, not travelled with the team to England as well. But, all of a sudden, his name makes into the chart for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019. However, he got a good record in the recent domestic season and also played on English pitches during his county.
Another inclusion in the side is Asif Ali. The right-handed explosive cricketer was the major topic to debate when he was left out from the squad. However, he proved his worth against England in the recently-concluded ODI series, which saw him coming into the reckoning.
The three unfortunate players to miss out from the team are Junaid Khan, who made a way to Mohammad Amir. And, Abid Ali, who has to give up his place for Asif Ali while the other is the youngster Faheem Ashraf, who gave his place to Wahab Riaz.
All in all, the squad looks decent enough with all the bases being covered with the quality players. The addition of Mohammad Amir and Asif Ali is a brilliant one for Pakistan while Wahab Riaz’s Pace would help them when it required the most.
Here is the updated squad:
Sarfraz Ahmed (c), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Haris Sohail, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Hasnain