Pakistan Selectors pick 20 probables for 2019 World Cup

While all teams have begun preparing according to their Vision 2019, Pakistan declared that it is not far behind in its preparations as Pakistan Cricket Team’s chief selector Inzamam ul Haq said they have already picked 20-member probable squad of Pakistan team that would play World Cup 2019 in England.

The chief selector believes that with almost a year remaining in the World Cup 2019, the players should start preparing for the event starting from now. “We have 20 probable in our sight,” he said while speaking to the media in Sharjah.

“But I can’t tell you when the squad will be finalized and announced. It will happen a few months before the event,” he said.

He showed full confidence and support for the current captain Sarfraz Ahmed, who led Pakistan to a memorable victory in Champions Trophy 2017. Inzamam asserted that he is the best choice to lead the side in the upcoming 2019 50-over World Cup.

Sweeping changes necessary following overseas defeats

The 30-year-old received flak after the humiliating 5-0 defeat against New Zealand in the ODI series in January and is currently leading the Quetta Gladiators in Pakistan Super League. The team’s next international assignment will be the Windies Tour of Pakistan in late March where they will play 3 T20Is at Lahore.

“The captain leads the team from the front,” said Inzamam. “We should know beforehand who is going to lead the team in the 2019 World Cup. Sarfraz’s leadership in the last year has been exceptional and there is no doubt that he will lead the team in the 50-over World Cup next year,” he added, as reported by Business Recorder.

The wicketkeeper-batsman, who is captaining Quetta Gladiators in the ongoing Pakistan Super League, has also earned praise from the likes of Kevin Pietersen.

“Pakistan is lucky to have a captain like Sarfraz,” Pietersen had said after a match-winning knock for the Gladiators. “Sarfraz has a good cricketing brain. So, Pakistan Cricket Board should ensure him that he is going to lead the team in the World Cup.”