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Until recently, Shadab Khan’s inclusion in Pakistan’s World Cup squad was a certainty, but Asia Cup 2023 has been a disappointment for him and has raised question marks over the vice-captain’s inclusion in the squad for the mega event. Shadab took just three wickets in the Asia Cup, in which Pakistan crashed out at the Super 4 stage. Pakistan team captain Babar Azam is very disappointed with the performance of some senior players and Shadab is one of them.
If Shadab Khan is out of the squad, Abrar Ahmed is the frontrunner to be included in the World Cup squad. According to GeoNews, the board is also considering some administrative changes. “During their meeting, the chief selector and captain also discussed fitness issues and poor form of key players,” the report said. Pakistan team also has injury problem. Naseem Shah has to withdraw from the World Cup. He had informed about the injury beforehand.
As for Abrar Ahmed, he came into the limelight during the Test series against England. The leg-spinner throws the ball in the air faster than Shadab and also has something of a mystery to it. The youngster has only played the Test format. He took a total of 38 wickets in six matches. Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq is very happy with his success in the longer format. This is the reason why Abrar Ahmed can be included in Pakistan’s World Cup squad.
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There are also reports that Shadab Khan will not be dropped from the World Cup squad, but will be stripped of his vice-captaincy. Shaheen Shah Afridi may be handed the vice-captaincy after spearheading the bowling attack in the Asia Cup. Chief selector Inzamam and captain Babar Azam are scheduled to hold a meeting with PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf soon and a decision will be taken based on his approval.