T20 World Cup: Shoaib Malik replaces Sohaib Maqsood in Pakistan squad

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday announced that Shoaib Malik has been added to the 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC men’s T20 World Cup. He replaced injured Sohaib Maqsood who was ruled out due to a back problem. Maqsood sustained the injury during an October 6 match against Northern in their domestic T20 league. He also missed the October 7 match against Central Punjab.

Chief selector Muhammad Wasim: “Sohaib is devastated to miss out on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as he had worked hard for this event and was in sparkling form. We feel for him but injuries are part and parcel of the sport. I am sure after undergoing rehabilitation, he’ll fully recover to be available for future assignments.”

“In his place and following discussions with the team management, we have decided to include Shoaib Malik in the side. I am sure Shoaib’s experience will be handy for the entire squad,” a PCB press released quoted Wasim as saying.

Shoaib Malik, a veteran all-rounder, captained the Pakistan cricket team in the inaugural World T20 event in 2007. He was also a member of the team that won the tournament in 2009. After missing out on the West Indies event in 2010, he played in 2012, 2014 and 2016 tournaments.

The squad for the T20 World Cup will depart for Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on October 15. Before starting their campaign in the grand event, they will be playing two warm-up matches against the West Indies and South Africa on October 18 and 20, respectively.

They face India in a Group 2 fixture on October 24 October at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan squad:

Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper), Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shoaib Malik.

Traveling reserves – Khushdil Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani and Usman Qadir.