Pakistan Set To Include Mohammad Amir, Asif Ali In World Cup Squad

Pakistan are reportedly set to name their fast-bowler Mohammad Amir and batsman Asif Ali in their World Cup squad. Both the players could not make it to the preliminary squad Pakistan had announced last month. While Amir was struggling with form, Asif was perhaps left out because of his inexperience in international cricket. Both the players, however, were named in the squad for the ongoing ODI series in England.

It was a chance for both the players to make their mark and bolster their claims for spots in the World Cup squad. But while Asif has impressed by scoring two fifties, Amir could not as he missed both the games due to illness. Amir is suffering from chickenpox and is undergoing treatment in London. Reports in Pakistan are not suggesting that struggling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf and opener Abid Ali will be making way for Amir and Asif.

Also Read: Star Sports To Broadcast World Cup Warm-up Games Live

Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed, Cheif Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq and coach Micky Arthur collectively took the decision. The reigning Champions Trophy holders are likely to announce their final World Cup squad on May 23. It is the deadline set by the ICC for all the teams to submit their final squads. Post that date, the teams can make change to their squads only after taking ICC’s permission.

Pakistan, meanwhile, have given England a run for their money in both the games of the ongoing series. In both the games, the Asian team scored more than 350 runs although they ended up losing both. In the first match, they lost by 12 runs while chasing 374 while in the second they failed to defend 358.

Also Read: Kuldeep Yadav Credits Virat Kohli For His Success

The World Cup will get underway on May 30 with hosts England taking on South Africa in the tournament-opener. On the other hand, Pakistan will start their 2019 World Cup campaign against West Indies at the Trent Bridge in Nottingham on May 31.

Also Read: ICC World Cup 2019: With Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, India are the Favourites – Yuzvendra Chahal