Sharjeel Khan. PHOTO: TWITTER/@CricFit
DUBAI: There are a few surprises on the cards ahead of the Asia Cup and World T20 as the national selection committee, led by Haroon Rasheed, is pondering making as many as three changes to the squad that was announced earlier.
Islamabad United’s Babar Azam, who was mostly limited to the bench in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and club teammate Rumman Raees — said to be suffering from a hamstring injury — are expected to face the axe. Karachi Kings’ Iftikhar Ahmed may also suffer a similar fate.
Opener Sharjeel Khan, who scored the PSL’s first century and helped Islamabad knock out favourites Peshawar Zalmi, is in line to be drafted in place of Azam, while fast-bowler Mohammad Sami, who recently registered figures of 5-8 against Karachi in the first play-off will take Rumman’s place.
Sharjeel sure to return: PCB official
Big-hitting Khalid Latif has also impressed selectors, who feel he would beef up the middle-order.
“Deliberations are going on to bring in Sharjeel and Sami for the Asia Cup and World T20 squads,” an official close to the selection committee told The Express Tribune. “Sharjeel was initially in contention but wasn’t scoring when the team was being announced. But since then he has been in top form and there is no reason to ignore him now.”
The official said the left-hander can provide the side a fast start at the top. “We lack hitters in the top-order and Sharjeel would be an ideal player, while Sami has been bowling with plenty of venom and control so he would strengthen the pace attack.”
The official added that Latif’s name is only being deliberated for the World T20 after an impressive couple of cameos for Islamabad.
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