Abrar Ahmed Set to Replace Shadab Khan in Pakistan’s ODI World Cup Squad

Abrar Ahmed Set to Replace Shadab Khan: Not long ago, Shadab Khan was considered a sure inclusion in Pakistan’s ODI World Cup squad. However, after a disappointing performance in the 2023 Asia Cup, he finds himself facing uncertainty. With only six wickets to his name, Shadab’s poor contributions played a significant role in Pakistan’s exit from the tournament. This article delves into the evolving situation surrounding Shadab Khan, his potential replacement Abrar Ahmed, and other selection dilemmas for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup.

Shadab Khan’s Struggles

Shadab Khan, known for his all-round capabilities, has been a vital part of Pakistan’s limited-overs setup for years. However, his recent form has raised concerns. In the 2023 Asia Cup, his performance was underwhelming, and Pakistan’s skipper, Babar Azam, expressed his disappointment with the senior players, with Shadab Khan being one of them.

Abrar Ahmed’s Emergence

Amid Shadab Khan’s struggles, a new star has emerged in the form of Abrar Ahmed. His journey to the spotlight began during the Test series against England, where he showcased his leg-spinning prowess. Abrar’s ability to bowl quicker through the air with various variations has quickly garnered attention.

Despite having only played in the Test format, Abrar has managed to amass an impressive tally of 38 wickets in just six matches. Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq appears pleased with the youngster’s instant success in the longer format. This raises the question of whether Abrar Ahmed could be the answer to Pakistan’s spinning woes in ODIs as well.

Vice-Captaincy Debate

While Shadab Khan may not be dropped from the World Cup squad entirely, reports suggest that he might be stripped of his vice-captaincy role. Shaheen Shah Afridi, who had an impressive performance in the Asia Cup as the leader of the bowling attack, is a front-runner to take over as vice-captain. This potential change in leadership dynamics adds another layer of intrigue to Pakistan’s World Cup preparations.

Administrative Changes on the Horizon

The PCB is considering various administrative changes, including potential alterations to the squad. A meeting between chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq, skipper Babar Azam, and PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf is in the works, with decisions pending approval. These discussions will be crucial in determining the final composition of Pakistan’s World Cup squad.

Other Selection Dilemmas

Apart from Shadab Khan, opener Fakhar Zaman’s place in the World Cup squad also hangs in the balance, as he failed to score a single fifty in the Asia Cup. Additionally, Naseem Shah’s participation in the World Cup is in doubt, paving the way for Hasan Ali and Zaman Khan as potential replacements. The good news for Pakistan is that Haris Rauf is expected to regain fitness in time for the World Cup.