Pakistan leave out Amir from World Cup squad

It was surprising to see the selector not show faith in the left-armer as he could be a lethal weapon to have in English conditions. However, Amir, who has  been included in the Pakistani squad for their pre-tournament series against England, still has a chance to prove himself

Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq, Thursday, left out experienced pacer Mohammad Amir while announcing the 15-member World Cup squad and two reserve players. Out-of-form Amir has not been selected as batsman Abid Ali has been named in the line-up. Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq said the 11 players from the 2017 Champions Trophy had been retained in the selection process. "We are hopeful and confident that Pakistan will give a good account of itself in the World Cup," Inzamam said. It was surprising to see the selector not show faith in the left-armer as he could be a lethal weapon to have in English conditions. However, Amir, who has  been included in the Pakistani squad for their pre-tournament series against England, still has a chance to prove himself in the England series and can be selected for World Cup by May 23^rd.

BREAKING: Pakistan have announced their #CWC19 squad. 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/NBlvAc2vbo

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) April 18, 2019

Amir has taken just five wickets in his last 14 ODIs since the Champions Trophy two years back. Inzamam said that Hafeez's final inclusion in World Cup was subject to him being 100 per cent fit before the tournament as he is still recovering from a thumb injury. "Doctors have advised him not to bowl or bat now but when his rehab is over he will be back in action in two weeks time," he added. Inzamam said hard-hitting batsman Asif Ali and Aamir were in the reserves for the one-day series against England and the side matches before the World Cup. Pakistan World Cup squad: Sarfaraz Ahmed (Capt), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abid Ali, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Haris Sohail, Muhammad Hafeez, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Junaid Khan, Muhammad Hasnain. Reserves: Asif Ali and Mohammad Amir.