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Why Has Babar Azam Removed Naseem Shah From Pakistan's Playing XI Vs Ireland?

Naseem Shah has been dropped from PAK Playing XI (AP)Naseem Shah has been dropped from PAK Playing XI (AP)

In a surprising turn of events, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam decided to drop ace speedster Naseem Shah on Sunday (June 16) when they met Ireland in Match 36 of T20 World Cup 2024 at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill.

In Naseem's place, Babar and the Pakistan think tank gave a chance to Abbas Afridi.

Naseem had been among the wickets, taking at least one scalp in each of the three previous fixtures in the competition. His best figures came against India, where he took 3/21, which included the wicket of Virat Kohli.

However, Babar did not clarify what was the reason behind Naseem’s omission. Nevertheless, it can be speculated that it helped Abbas, who had in impressive form before the tournament, to give an opportunity to prosper.

"We have one change. Naseem is not playing and Abbas comes in place of him," Babar said while confirming the news after the toss.

Meanwhile, Pakistan will have a bowl against Ireland after Babar's toss win. Notably, if the Men in Green lose today, they will finish at the bottom of Group A.

Pakistan's Playing XI Vs Ireland

Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Amir