Former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar feels Mohammad Amir can still make it into Pakistan 15-man World Cup squad, which was announced by the selectors on Thursday. Out-of-form speedster Amir was left out of Pakistan’s provisional squad because of his indifferent performances in ODIs recently.
Since Champions Trophy 2017, Amir has picked up just fivewickets in 14 ODIs. However, Akhtar feels that Amir could have been a big assetfor Pakistan in the seaming conditions of England and the legendary pacer alsoexplained as to how Amir can still get make it into the squad.
Amir has been picked in the Pakistan reserves team, whichwill play five-match ODI series in England before the World Cup. So, accordingto Akhtar, if Amir does well in this series, it will force the selectors toname him in the 15-man squad.
Akhtar’s social media post read: “I still think@iamamirofficial could be a lethal weapon to have in English conditions. He hasa chance to prove that in the England series and be selected for World Cup byMay 23rd. Good luck Amir, you can do it.”
Pakistan Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq said the 11 from the2017 Champions Trophy had been retained in the selection process.
“We are hopeful and confident that Pakistan will give a goodaccount of itself in the World Cup,” Inzamam said.
The selectors, while not showing faith with left-armer Amir,reposed confidence in seniors Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez. Inzamam saidthat Hafeez’s final inclusion in World Cup was subject to him being 100 percent fit before the tournament as he is still recovering from a thumb injury.
“Doctors have advised him not to bowl or bat now but whenhis rehab is over he will be back in action in two weeks time,” he added.
PAKISTAN WORLD CUP SQUAD:
Sarfaraz Ahmed (Capt), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abid Ali,Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Hafeez, Shadab Khan, ImadWasim, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Junaid Khan, MuhammadHasnain.
RESERVES: Asif Ali and Mohammad Amir. Agencies