Pakistan Team Squad for ICC World Cup 2023 Announced
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the 15-member squad for the 2023 World Cup on Thursday, 21 September 2023. The squad is led by Babar Azam and includes Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, and Haris Rauf.
Here is the full squad:
- Babar Azam (c)
- Shadab Khan (VC)
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Shaheen Afridi
- Fakhar Zaman
- Haris Rauf
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Hasan Ali
- Abdullah Shafique
- Agha Salman
- Saud Shakeel
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Usama Mir
- Mohammad Wasim Jr
Traveling reserves: Mohammad Haris (wk), Zaman Khan, Abrar Ahmed
Babar Azam will lead the side, Shadab Khan has been retained as vice-captain
https://twitter.com/i/status/1705105237298847784
Tension filled the air as Inzamam revealed, “Naseem Shah’s injury forced our hand. The Asia Cup left scars, yet I bring good tidings—our warriors are healthy and burning with zeal. Haris Rauf’s progress is heartening; his silhouette haunts the National Cricket Academy, hinting at a return.”
Eyes gleaming, he continued, “This isn’t just a squad—it’s Pakistan’s hope and dream. A World Cup is in sight, and I see it embraced by these men. Our nation’s heartbeat syncs with theirs. Their triumph is ours. They need not just our applause, but our faith.”
The stats whisper a hopeful tale: Babar Azam’s brigade holds the title as the pinnacle of ODI rankings, boasting a staggering win/loss ratio of 2.4, unparalleled in this World Cup cycle.
As autumn leaves twirl, from October 5 to November 19, the heartbeat of cricket will resonate from India. Ten titans, ten arenas, all with an eye on the grand prize. The coliseum for the curtain-raiser and grand finale? The majestic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
This isn’t just another World Cup. Every team will face every other, a ballet of 45 league matches, a testament of endurance and skill. Only the four mightiest will march on to the semifinals—Mumbai will echo with their battle cries on November 15, and Kolkata will feel the ground shake on November 16. And in case the heavens weep, there are reserve days to ensure the battle reaches its rightful conclusion.
The squad is a good mix of experience and youth, with Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi leading the way. Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf are also key players, while Imam-ul-Haq, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Nawaz provide balance to the side.
Pakistan will be looking to make a deep run in the World Cup, and they will need to be at their best to do so. The squad is certainly capable of winning the tournament, but they will need to play some consistent cricket.
