Mohammad Amir Misses Out as Pakistan Release Preliminary World Cup 2019 Team

A little while ago, South Africa announced their preliminary squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. Now, hot on their tail is Pakistan, who have also announced their preliminary team.

Interestingly, pacer, Mohammad Amir failed to make the cut in the 15-member World Cup 2019 team. However, he will still travel to England, albeit for an ODI series. Another missing name from the World Cup 2019 team is Asif Ali, who will also join Amir in England for the ODI series.

During Amir’s last England visit, he came away with the Man of the Match and the Champions Trophy in 2017.

Meanwhile, Sarfaraz Ahmed captains the side once again and acts as the wicketkeeper. Abid Ali also gets the nod, at the behest of Shan Masood, owing to a brilliant century against Australia.

Even the fast-bowling pair, Mohammad Hasnain and Shaheen Shah Afridi were included in the World Cup 2019 team. Hasnain has even been showered with high praise from the likes of Shane Watson.

Speaking about the PCB’s selections for the World Cup 2019, former Pakistan captain, Inzamam ul-Haq revealed, “Hasnain has been selected due to his sheer pace and speed,”

 “He may not have played many ODIs but he has already made an impact by making the top batsmen hop and run in his brief career while also picking up wickets.”

He went on to talk about veterans, Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez, who will also play in the World Cup 2019

“Shoaib Malik and Hafeez have played in World Cups before, which makes them experienced and qualified to provide the required stability to the middle-order,”

However, ul-Haq also confessed that Hafeez’s fitness will be a massive talking point. Though the 49-year old is confident that Hafeez will be fully fit within the six week gap to their opening World Cup 2019 game.

Ul-Haq concluded, “This is more or less the side we have been playing since the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. I have absolute trust that this side has grown further in experience and stature since 2017. Supported by the flare, skill, talent and killing-instinct, this side has the capability and potential to rise to the occasion and produce strong performances.”

Pakistan World Cup 2019 Team: Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk, c), Abid Ali, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shoaib Malik