The ICC World Cup 2023 is less than 3 weeks away, scheduled to start on October 5th in India. With the mega event approaching, preparations are in full swing as teams fine-tune strategies and lineups to be battle-ready. After bated anticipation, the Pakistan Cricket Board has finally announced their 15-player squad for the tournament.
The biggest news is the unfortunate last-minute exclusion of young pacer Naseem Shah due to a shoulder injury. This is a significant blow for Pakistan as the 19-year-old speedster was expected to lead the pace attack.
Detailed Information Of Pakistan Squad for ICC World Cup 2023
At the helm as captain is the prolific Babar Azam, looking to carry over his excellent form in ODI cricket. Under his leadership, Pakistan made the final of the Asia Cup 2022.
Supporting him as vice-captain is leg-spinner Shadab Khan, despite recent concerns over his dipping performance. The team management has backed Shadab to regain form in the World Cup.
The top order features an experienced opening trio of Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique. They will need to provide solid starts to set the platform for the middle order.
Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman and Iftikhar Ahmed form a dependable middle order, capable of accelerating the scoring rate when required.
Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan has been in scintillating form in white-ball cricket. His ability to score quick runs in the middle and death overs will be crucial.
Shadab Khan will be expected to take wickets in the middle overs and contribute handy runs as the leading spin all-rounder.
Mohammad Nawaz provides a left-arm spin option and is also a capable batter. Usama Mir grabbed his chance after injuries to take the second leg-spinning position.
The pace attack features Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim Jr. Afridi’s left-arm angle, Rauf’s speed and Wasim’s variations and death bowling ability make it a well-rounded attack.
Hasan Ali comes in to replace Naseem Shah, bringing experience to complement the others.
Overall, Pakistan has a balanced squad capable of beating any team on their day. Under Babar Azam’s captaincy, the team will be hoping to capture their second World Cup title since 1992.
If the batting fires and the bowling attacks take wickets, Pakistan has a strong chance of going all the way in the ICC World Cup 2023.
ICC World Cup 2023: Pakistan squad for World Cup 2023
- Opening Batsmen:
- Babar Azam (captain)
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Fakhar Zaman
- Top and Middle Order Batsmen:
- Abdullah Shafique
- Mohammad Rizwan (Wicket-Keeper)
- Saud Shakeel
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- All-Rounders:
- Shadab Khan
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Salman Ali Agha
- Mohammad Wasim
- Usama Mir
- Fast Bowlers:
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Ali
- Shaheen Afridi
Pakistan Schedule for ICC World Cup 2023 – Full Schedule and Fixture
Here is the full schedule and Fixture for the Pakistan cricket team in the ODI World Cup 2023
| Date | Match | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 6 | Pakistan v Netherlands | Hyderabad | 2 pm |
| October 10 | Pakistan v Sri Lanka | Hyderabad | 2 pm |
| October 14 | Pakistan v India | Ahmedabad | 2 pm |
| October 20 | Pakistan v Australia | Bengaluru | 2 pm |
| October 23 | Pakistan v Afghanistan | Chennai | 2 pm |
| October 27 | Pakistan v South Africa | Chennai | 2 pm |
| October 31 | Pakistan v Bangladesh | Kolkata | 2 pm |
| November 4 | Pakistan v New Zealand | Bengaluru | 10:30 am |
| November 11 | Pakistan v England | Kolkata | 2 pm |
