The Pakistani national cricket team, initially scheduled to participate in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, has faced unexpected delays due to unforeseen issues and logistical challenges. They are now expected to depart in the coming days as officials work to resolve these problems. Fans eagerly await the team’s participation on the international stage.
There has been speculation about the delay in announcing the World Cup squad, with some linking it to the possible inclusion of Naseem Shah. However, credible sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have dismissed these claims as entirely untrue.
The delay in squad announcement is due to internal discussions within the team management, prompted by Pakistan’s disappointing elimination from the Asia Cup. This setback disrupted the timeline for announcing the ICC World Cup 2023 squad.
Reports suggest that key figures like Inzamam, Misbah, and Hafeez recently met at Waqar Younis’ residence, with Zaka Ashraf joining them via a WhatsApp video call. During these discussions, it was decided that Waqar Younis should lead the Pakistani team due to his outstanding performance during the 2015 World Cup when Pakistan achieved a notable victory over Zimbabwe—a feat they failed to replicate in the previous World Cup.
Reliable sources indicate that Waqar Younis plans to make certain adjustments to the team composition to mirror the successful 2015 World Cup side, which has contributed to the delay in announcing the squad.
Following a significant loss to arch-rival India, the performances of prominent Pakistani players, particularly Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan, are under close scrutiny.
