T20 World Cup 2024: 'Everybody is on Trial' - Ramiz Raja Concerned About Delay in Pakistan Squad Announcement

Former skipper and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has expressed his concerns over Pakistan being the only nation that is yet to announce their squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to be held in the USA and West Indies.

After Bangladesh announced their squad on Tuesday (May 14), Pakistan is the only team left to announce their squad for the marquee event as the 18 other competing nations, including India announced their squad in last two weeks.

While teams revealed their 15-member playing group for the T20 World Cup which can be altered until May 25, Pakistan only announced their squad for the Ireland and England series earlier this month, leaving the T20 World Cup squad announcement for a later date.

Babar Azam-led side completed their Ireland tour on Tuesday (May 14) winning the three-match series 2-1 after losing the series opener. Now, they will travel to England for a four-match T20I series, which starts on May 22.

There are reports that Pakistan will announce their squad on May 23, a day after the first T20I against England, but the former PCB chairman Ramiz voiced his concerns over the time that Pakistan are taking to announce their 15-player squad.

"Pakistan is the only team that has yet to announce its squad for the T20 World Cup. Out of 20 teams, 19 have announced their squads. I don't understand where Pakistan are stuck," Ramiz said on his YouTube channel.

The former skipper feels that all players are on trial as the management figures out to read the potential of their current players before deciding on the squad for the World Cup.

"They can't handle the combinations. They are still trying to read the potential. All players are on trial. It feels like every player is on trial," Raja added after Pakistan bowling unit failed to deliver in the bygone series in Ireland.

Pakistan pacers have struggled to find their rhythm throughout the series. Shaheen Shah Afridi has picked wickets but has proved costly. Mohammad Amir and Naseem Shah played two games and combined to pick up four wickets while giving away 96 runs.

In the third T20I, Naseem was dropped and Hasan Ali was brought in his place. Hasan conceded 42 runs in three overs at a staggering economy of 14.00.

The former Pakistan cricketer talked about the body language of the players. Along with this, he raised questions about the role of Abbas Afridi, who picked up two wickets but gave away 43 runs in the process.

"Some bowlers look under pressure. Hasan Ali had a bad outing, and Mohammad Amir's performance was flat. What is the role of Abbas Afridi? He looks like Saim Ayub, a lost cause. You need to announce the World Cup squad quickly because not each player can be on trial," Ramiz added.

(With Agency inputs)