Pakistan confirm return for Amir in 15-man World Cup squad

Pakistan have confirmed that fast bowler Mohammad Amir has made their final 15-man squad for the World Cup in England this summer.
The Green Shirts’ pace attack struggled on the whole during their recent 4-0 series defeat to England, meaning Amir was always likely to make the final cut.
Amir missed the last World Cup while he was serving a ban for spot-fixing, and he is joined by another left-arm seamer in Wahab Riaz – who has not actually played in an ODI since back in June 2017.
Those are two of three changes from the provisional World Cup squad, and it comes off the back of a 4-0 ODI series defeat to England.
Batsman Asif Ali has been included as the final change, and he featured in all matches against England – making scores of 51, 52, 17 and 22 through four innings.
Pakistan start their World Cup campaign against the West Indies on May 31, and will be hoping to hit a similar surprise vein of form to the one that saw them lift the Champions Trophy on English soil two years ago.
Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq explained the decisions: “Wahab’s ability to reverse swing the ball got him selected.
“Nobody expected the pitches in the UK will play flat even in the early season there. So we have realised that and reviewed our selection.”
Latest
-
News
Australia go on the defensive over Steve Smith scuffing saga
Australia have closed ranks around Steve Smith, who is upset over being painted as a villain following the drawn third Test against India.
-
News
On This Day in 1996: Dickie Bird announces retirement from umpiring
Bird umpired in 66 Tests and 69 one-day internationals.
-
News
Dan Lawrence adamant he will stick to ‘unique’ batting technique in Test arena
The 23-year-old should make his Test debut when England start their two-match series against Sri Lanka.
-
News
Steve Smith criticised for appearing to scuff Rishabh Pant’s guard in third Test
Former Australia captain Steve Smith was branded “childish” after an incident during the final day of their drawn third Test against India
-
News
Tim Paine admits he let the Australian bowlers down
Australia captain Tim Paine believes he was at least partially to blame for his side failing to bowl India.
-
News
Testing times on tour in Sri Lanka – the life of an international cricketer
Gloucestershire’s James Bracey is on his first overseas tour with England. Here he writes about his experiences so far in Sri Lanka.
-
News
India salvage unlikely draw in third Test against Australia
India salvaged an unlikely draw as the third Test against Australia reached a thrilling finale.
-
News
Chris Silverwood backs ‘fighter’ Dan Lawrence to make step up to Test cricket
The Essex batsmen is in line for an England Test debut against Sri Lanka on Thursday.
-
News
Ravichandran Ashwin condemns alleged racial abuse of Mohammed Siraj by SCG fans
Play was halted on day four of the third Test between Australia and India while six spectators were escorted out of Sydney Cricket Ground by police.
-
News
Investigation launched after Indian players allegedly abused by crowd in Sydney
Play was held up while police and security guards escorted six people from Sydney Cricket Ground.