T20 World Cup squad: Performance of Sohaib Maqsood, Azam Khan, and Asif Ali worries PCB

Pakistan squad for T20 World Cup. Photo: PCB.

ISLAMABAD: After several of Pakistan's national cricketers failed to impress in the National T20 Cup, calls for a change in the T20 World Cup team became louder among local cricket circles.

According to sources familiar with the situation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has guaranteed that members of Pakistan's T20 World Cup team would compete in the National T20 Cup to allow them to hone their skills ahead of the major event.

Sohaib Maqsood, Khushdil Shah, Azam Khan, and Asif Ali did not have a good showing in the National T20 Cup.

 According to sources, if players do not improve their performance in the next few days, changes in the T20 World Cup team would be necessary.

Azam Khan, the wicketkeeper/batsman, was a total failure on both fronts. In his two encounters, Asif Ali only managed to score 43 and 10 runs, while Khushdil Shah scored 21, 24, and 6 runs in three matches. The 15-man team is anticipated to feature opener Fakhar Zaman

It's worth noting that the International Cricket Council's regulations allow for alterations to the T20 World Cup squads up until October 16.

PCB chairman unhappy with the standard of pitches, team selection

According to reliable sources, PCB Chairman Rameez Raja is dissatisfied with the quality of pitches as well as the distribution of players among the six teams.

The director of the National High-Performance Centre has been instructed by the PCB chairman to evaluate the players' division and balance the teams. He also ordered that batting pitches be built at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Rameez Raja previously stated that he will not compromise on pitch quality. It is important to note that the National T20 Cup's second phase will begin on October 6.

Photo Courtesy: Hindustan Times