Reports: PM Imran Khan tells Ramiz Raja to review Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad

Pakistan announced a 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup earlier this month with several surprises. There was no place for swashbuckling batsman Fakhar Zaman while the veteran Shoaib Malik couldn’t make it to the reserves either. Hours after the squad was announced the head coach and bowling coach, Misbah-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis resigned from their positions.

Several reports came out about Babar Azam not being happy with the team, however, all those rumours were refuted later. But a few former Pakistan cricketers criticised the selectors for the side picked for the mega event. And now if the reports are to be considered the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has asked the newly appointed PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja to review the squad again.

According to the reports by Samaa News, places of a few players are in danger. The likes of Azam Khan, Mohammad Hasnain, Khushdil Shah and Mohammad Nawaz are likely to be dropped from the final T20 World Cup squad. Meanwhile, it is learnt that Fakhar Zaman, Sharjeel Khan, Shoaib Malik, Shahnawaz Dahani and Usman Qadir are being considered to replace them.

Notably, the World Cup squads can be changed until October 10 according to ICC’s rules after which the teams will have to seek the cricketing body’s permission in case of any injuries.

National T20 Cup performances taken into consideration?

With the cancellation of New Zealand and England tours, all Pakistan players are currently busy playing in the domestic tournament, National T20 Cup. The performances in the competition could be taken into consideration. Mohammad Hasnain hasn’t performed to the expectations conceding runs at an economy of 10 in two matches while picking four wickets.

At the same time, the other player in the same team who is in contention is Shahnawaz Dhani. He has also picked four wickets but at an economy rate of 7.87. He was also impressive in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) this season. The same way, the performances of other players could play a vital role in their selection and dropping from the World Cup squad.