T20 World Cup: Zaman replaces Qadir in Pakistan squad

Pakistan included top-order batter Fakhar Zaman in their 15-man squad for the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia on Friday, replacing spinner Usman Qadir after he suffered a thumb injury.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said 32-year-old Zaman is recovering from a knee injury.

“Pakistan have made one change in their squad for the T20 World Cup Australia with Zaman included in the squad while Qadir will be in the travelling reserves,” said a PCB statement.

Zaman was initially picked as a reserve, while Qadir was in the 15-man squad.

Qadir has yet to recover from a thumb injury picked up last month, and will not be available for selection before October 22, the PCB added.

All 16 teams can make changes to their squads until October 15, after which they need the approval of the World Cup’s technical committee.

Zaman suffered a knee injury during last month’s Asia Cup held in the United Arab Emirates.

“Zaman will be available for selection in the two warm-up matches against England (17 October) and Afghanistan (19 October),” the PCB said.

Earlier this week, Pakistan received a boost to their World Cup chances when pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi was declared fit to play after recovering from a knee injury.

Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Shahnawaz Dahani and Usman Qadir.