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Rizwan, Shadab, Iftikhar? These PAK Players Could To Be Dropped After T20 WC Exit

Pakistan cricket team under scanner after shock T20 WC exit (X.com)Pakistan cricket team under scanner after shock T20 WC exit (X.com)

In a bold call following the shocking group stage exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup, PCB are likely to take action against underperforming players including Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir and many more by dropping them off the national squad for a while.

Pakistan cricket team hit a new low this week after they got knocked out off the 2024 T20 World Cup by host nation USA. Babar Azam and co. dropped two easy games against USA and India before winning against Canada by barest of margins. But it wasn't enough as the USA-IRE washout forced them out of the tournament.

That being said, following the humiliation, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi promised a surgery which could alter the present team combination. Let's look at the list of five players likely to be dropped from the squad effective immediately.

Mohammad Rizwan

Mohammad Rizwan, the self proclaimed T20 specialist, went against the world to retain his opening spot despite performance issues in the powerplay. He also lobbied to keep captain Babar Azam with him and the results were nothing but a disaster.

Rizwan, the supposed dynamic opener, proved his doubters right. In 3 games, Rizwan scored 93 runs at an abysmal 88.57 strike rate, including a run-a-ball fifty. 

He has been on the international scene for a while and due to repeated failures, Rizwan will bore the brunt of PCB's action.


Shadab Khan

The next player on the radar is Shadab Khan. Taken into the squad as an all-rounder, Shadab  only bowled against the USA and scored 44 runs in two innings with the bat, including a boundary and three sixes. 

His role was essentially reduced to pure batter  after the spinner leaked 27 runs in three overs against the USA. 

Also, concerns around his fitness levels have cropped up after he messed up a few easy field players in the T20 World Cup. 


Mohammad Amir

Mohammad Amir, who took back his retirement for the tournament, is likely to see himself out of the Pakistan squad following a shocking exit. 

Amid bowled well and picked up five wickets with clinical economy in three games including a man of the match trophy. However, due to lack of support, his valiant efforts proved to be not good enough.  

Interestingly, as per local media, Amir had a verbal deal with PCB that was only restricted to the T20 World Cup. He isn't a part of any contract and is likely to prioritise league cricket henceforth.

Azam Khan

Out of all the probable names, Azam Khan's axing is more or less certain. Amid much uproar over his fitness issue, Azam recorded a failure in the opening game against the USA, which led to his immediate ouster from the playing XI. 

A poor shot selection saw him getting out on golden duck to Nosthush Kenjige and his comical gaffes in the field has reduced him to a laughing stock . 

Additionally,  Azam's performance with the bat on challenging conditions and quality opposition has been questionable, and hence, PCB is unlikely to entertain him any further.


Iftikhar Ahmed

Lastly, Iftikhar Ahmed is also not out of the woods. As a finisher, he scored 23 runs in two games and hit no sixes before getting dropped against Canada. 

Additionally, Ahmed's miscues in the field, especially in the slip range, cost Pakistan immensely throughout the tournament.

As a senior most member of the squad, Iftikhar Ahmed hasn't showed the necessary composure. He has been clueless on the field and the lack of game awareness at crucial stages is not aligning with Pakistan's need at the middle order.