BRISTOL: Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmad, Chief Selector Inzamamul Haq and Head Coach Micky Arthur have decided to include fast bowler Mohammad Amir and hard-hitting batsman Asif Ali in World Cup squad of Pakistan cricket team.
According to media reports, struggling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf and newly-selected opener Abid Ali will make way for both players. The 15-member squad will be announced May 23, a deadline set by International Cricket Council (ICC).
The World Cup will start on May 30 in England and Wales. Pakistan will play its first match against West Indies on May 31.
Asif Ali impressed the team management with 51 off 36 and 52 off 43 in the second and third One Day International (ODI) against England respectively. This performance cemented his place in the World Cup squad.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Amir is recovering from suspected chickenpox and is undergoing treatment in London. The left-arm pacer is not in the form since his match-winning performance against India in ICC Champions Trophy final in 2017. Since then, he has only bagged five wickets in his 14 international appearances.