LAHORE: Pakistan selectors have finalized a provisional 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Australia in Lahore and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
According to sources, the national team will be officially announced soon after receiving approval from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman. Salman Ali Agha is expected to lead the side.
Pakistan are scheduled to play a three-match T20I series against Australia ahead of the World Cup, with Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore likely to host the matches. Following the series, both teams will depart for their respective World Cup campaigns.
Sources said the PCB selection committee, in consultation with head coach Mike Hesson and captain Salman Ali Agha, has finalized the proposed squad.
The tentative squad includes Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf.
One of Khawaja Nafay or Usman Tariq is likely to be included in the final squad, with Usman Tariq being considered as a surprise selection. Reserve players may include Wasim Junior, Abdul Samad and Khawaja Nafay.
The PCB is expected to announce the final squad at any time following formal approval by the board chairman.
