ICC T20 World Cup 2022: PCB Chief Explains Reason Behind Keeping Fakhar Zaman In The Reserves

Talismanic Pakistan batsman Fakhar Zaman was named as one of the three travelling reserves in Pakistan’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 squad for Australia. Left-hander Shan Masood has instead been named in the main squad. Zaman, who recently played in the Asia Cup final in Dubai, had suffered an injury to his right knee in the final against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan named their 15-member squad earlier today for the marquee event in Australia, but the explosive left-handed batter only managed to make the reserves group with Shan Masood being called up for the first time to the T20 squad.

Fakhar Zaman rested for the England T20 series for rehabilitation purposes

The 32-year-old had only managed 96 runs in six innings at the Asia Cup. This included a half-century against Hong Kong during a group match. In the final against Sri Lanka, the left-hander, now used in the middle-order role, was dismissed for a first-ball duck.

“Fakhar Zaman has also been rested from the England T20Is so that he can recover from the knee injury he sustained when he landed awkwardly while fielding in the final,” Wasim said.

PCB chief reveals consistency criteria was crucial during team selection for T20 World Cup

Wasim identified “consistency” as a key feature for the selection of the squad for the marquee tournament. Speaking to the media he said,  “These players have performed well since November 2021 and that’s why we have won nine out of our last 13 T20Is.”

“We have invested in these cricketers and it is fair to them that they get the opportunity to show their mettle in the World Cup, an event for which they have been preparing and training hard.”

Zaman has played 71 T20Is for Pakistan, making 1349 runs at an average of 21.75 and a strike-rate of 129.09 with eight fifties.

ALSO READ: ICC T20 World Cup 2022: Shaheen Afridi Returns As Pakistan Name 15-Member Squad For The Tournament