Pakistan announces its 15-member World Cup squad as 'Mauka' quest continues

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday announced its 15-member World Cup squad. Here's the complete squad.

Pakistan will be led by Sarfaraz Ahmed who had led them to the Champions Trophy triumph in 2017. Sarfaraz will be making his second World Cup appearance. Veterans  Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez's experience will be very essential for the 'Men In Green'. However, the biggest surprise is the omission of fast bowler Mohammad Amir. Amir who was instrumental in Pakistan's Champions Trophy Final win was excluded due to poor form. 

Pakistan had won the World Cup in 1992 under the leadership of Imran Khan. They are also one of the strong contenders to lift the trophy as they have a very good record in England. Pakistan had reached the final of the 1999 edition in the UK where they lost to Australia, they had won their first ever World T20 in 2009 at the same venue and went on to win their maiden Champions Trophy in 2017. Thus, England has been a happy hunting ground for them.

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The deadline for announcing World Cup squads is April 23, but teams can be changed up to May 23.

Pakistan became the eighth team to announce their 15-member squad after New Zealand, Australia, India, Bangladesh, England, Sri Lanka and South Africa. 

The 12th edition of the World Cup will be played in England & Wales, in the United Kingdom. The quadrennial event will commence from May 30 as England will lock horns against South Africa at the Oval. The final will be played on July 14 at the Lord's with a reserve day on July 15.

Pakistan will begin their World Cup campaign against West Indies on May 31 at Trent Bridge.

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