‘Failed to Perform in PSL’ – Babar Azam Explains Mohammad Haris’ Exclusion from T20 World Cup 2024 Squad

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Original Content: ‘Failed to Perform in PSL’ – Babar Azam Explains Mohammad Haris’ Exclusion from T20 World Cup 2024 Squad

Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam opened up on the exclusion of wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris from the squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

Mohammad Haris didn’t make it to Pakistan’s squad for the T20I series against Ireland and England and is likely to miss the World Cup, starting June 1, in the United States and West Indies.

Speaking at a press conference before the team’s departure for Ireland tomorrow, Babar mentioned that Haris wasn’t included because there are plenty of options in the top order.

Babar Azam also stated that despite his chances in the Pakistan Super League (PLS) 2024, Mohammad Haris couldn’t meet the expectations.

“I agree that Haris didn’t get many opportunities after the T20 World Cup [in 2022]. His number is in the top order, which already includes me, Rizwan, Saim, and Fakhar, which is why there were limited opportunities for him,” Babar Azam said.

“However, Haris did get a chance during PSL 9, but unfortunately, he wasn’t able to perform well. But this doesn’t mean he is a bad player, as every player goes through a rough patch.”

“We had a discussion about where Haris would play if he is selected. If he had been included, his position would have been in the lower middle-order. We are quick to make comparisons without considering his position in the batting order.”

Mohammad Haris has featured in nine T20Is for Pakistan, scoring 126 runs at a strike-rate of 127.27, with an average of 14 and a highest score of 31.

Pakistan will take part in three T20Is in Ireland, then four in England. Following the England series, the team will travel to the United States for the T20 World Cup 2024.

Pakistan Squad for Ireland and England T20Is

Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan