Sports: Cricket: Pakistan squad announced for ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020

Karachi:The National Junior Selection Committee has named 15-player Pakistan squad for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020, which will be held in South Africa from January 17 to February 9.

In-form wicketkeeper-batsman Rohail Nazir has been retained as captain, while prolific opener Haider Ali has been appointed as vice-captain.

Pakistan, the 2004 and 2006 champions and three-time runners-up, are placed in Group C of the 16-team event and will play Scotland in their opening match on January 19 in Potchefstroom.

Pakistan’s second match will be against Zimbabwe at the Witrand Oval in Bloemfontein on January 22 while their third and final group match will be on January 24 at the JP Marks Oval against Bangladesh.

The top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the Super League, while the remaining teams will feature in the Plate Championship. The Super League stage will commence from January 28 and the top four sides will qualify for the semifinals, with the winners competing for the title on February 9 in Benoni.

“I want to congratulate all the players on their selection in the Pakistan squad for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020,” said Saleem Jaffar, who is chairman of the junior selection committee.

“I know some of the players will be disappointed at not being picked, but it was a tough task as we had a pool of some very exciting and exceptionally talented players to choose from. I would encourage all the players who have missed out on selection to remain positive and motivated as I am confident there will be opportunities for them down the road.

“Criteria for selection was current performances and meritocracy, and I am pleased it was a consensus decision. These players have been performing up to our expectations and I am hopeful they will carry their good form into the series and produce solid performances.

“Barring Aamir Khan, Arish Ali Khan and Mohammad Huraira, all others have represented Pakistan in international junior series this year. However, the three boys made our task easier by consistently producing impressive performances in the domestic season.”

Three players – Ammad Butt Jnr, Akhtar Shah and Saim Ayub – were not considered for selection due to injuries.

The Pakistan cricket team can make changes to their combination until January 10, 2020 without needing an ICC approval. After January 11, players can be replaced on fitness grounds and will require the approval of the ICC’s Event Technical Committee.

Squad:

Openers: Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Quetta), Haider Ali (Rawalpindi), Mohammad Shehzad (Multan). Middle-order batsmen: Mohammad Haris (Peshawar), Mohammad Huraira (Sialkot) and Mohammad Irfan Khan (Lahore). Wicketkeeper: Rohail Nazir (captain). All-rounders: Abbas Afridi (Peshawar), Fahad Munir (Lahore) and Qasim Akram (Faisalabad). Spinners: Amir Ali (Larkana) and Arish Ali Khan (Karachi). Fast bowlers: Amir Khan (Peshawar), Naseem Shah (Lahore), Tahir Hussain (Multan).

Team management: Ijaz Ahmed (head coach-cum-manager), Rao Iftikhar Anjum (bowling coach), Abdul Majeed (assistant coach), Saboor Ahmad (trainer), Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rasul (physiotherapist), Usman Hashmi (analyst), Emmad Ahmed Hameed (media manager), Col (retd) Usman Riffat Ansari (security manager).