Pakistan World Cup 2023 Squad Breakdown: Which of these 15-men will make the Pakistan 2023 Cricket World Cup XI?
Let’s breakdown Pakistan World Cup 2023 squad, which is basically Pakistan’s 18-member preliminary World Cup 2023 squad.
Here is a quick preview: Pakistan is banking on youth to help them go all the way in this upcoming World Cup.
Let’s dive right in.
Key Takeaways from Pakistan’s World Cup 2023 ODI Squad Announcement
- The average age of Pakistan World Cup 2023 squad is 26.9. Pakistan is going with a young squad, especially in the pace department. They have youngsters like Naseem Shah (20), Mohammad Wasim (21), Mohammad Haris (22), and Shaheen Shah Afridi (23). Fakhar Zaman is the oldest member of squad at just 33.
- The 18-member Pakistan’s preliminary World Cup squad has average ODI match experience of only 41 ODIs (607 ODIs among 15 players). Babar Azam (108), Fakhar Zaman (78) & Imam-ul-Haq (66) are their most experienced players.
- Pakistan’s squad composition is as follows: 6 proper batters (1 part time), 4 all-rounders, and 5 proper bowling options. In total, Pakistan has 10 bowling options (2 off spin, 1 left arm pace, 2 left arm spin, 2 leg spin, and 3 right arm pace) in their squad if absolutely needed.
- Pakistan has 4 left-handed batting options (Imam, Fakhar, Saud Shakeel, Nawaz) and one wicketkeeping option.
Pakistan Cricket World Cup Team at a Glance
| Player | Role | Age |
| Imam-ul-Haq | Batter | 27 |
| Fakhar Zaman | Batter | 33 |
| Babar Azam (C) | Batter | 28 |
| Iftikhar Ahmed | All-Rounder/Off Spin | 33 |
| Abdullah Shafique | Batter | 23 |
| Agha Salman | All-Rounder/Off Spin | 29 |
| Mohammad Rizwan | Batter/Wicketkeeper | 31 |
| Saud Shakeel | Batter, part time left arm spin | 27 |
| Shadab Khan | All-Rounder/Leg Spin | 24 |
| Mohammad Nawaz | All-Rounder/Left Arm Spin | 29 |
| Faheem Ashraf** | All-Rounder/Medium Pace | 29 |
| Haris Rauf | Fast Bowler | 29 |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Fast Bowler | 23 |
| Naseem Shah* | Fast Bowler | 20 |
| Hasan Ali | Fast Bowler | 29 |
| Mohammad Wasim | Fast Bowler | 22 |
| Usama Mir | Right Arm Leg Spin | 27 |
| Mohammad Haris*** | Right Hand Bat/Wicketkeeper | 22 |
| Tayyab Tahir** | Right Hand Bat | 30 |
*ruled out of the World Cup
**did not make it to the final World Cup squad
***reserve
Also Read:
- India vs Pakistan World Cup (The Ultimate Guide): Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Records, and More!
- The Magician with the Yorker – Umar Gul
- Babar Azam, Rizwan, Shaheen: The Case for Pakistan Players In the IPL
Pakistan Cricket World Cup 2023 Potential XI
- Imam-ul-Ha
- Fakhar Zaman
- Babar Azam
- Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Agha Salman
- Shadab Khan
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Hasan Ali
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Haris Rauf
Injury News
- Naseem Shah has been ruled out of the World Cup due to injury in the Asia Cup.
- 20-year old pacer, Ihsanullah has been in Pakistan’s plans but has been out with an elbow injury recently.
7 Pakistan Players Who Were Unlucky to Miss Out
- Naseem Shah, Shan Masood, Imad Wasim, Haider Ali, Haris Sohail, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Hasnain
2 Surprise Picks for Pakistan’s World Cup Squad
- Usama Mir, Hasan Ali
Pakistan World Cup 2023 Squad – Complete List of Players
1. Imam-ul-Haq
Role: Left-Hand Bat (Opener)
- Matches/Innings: 66/65
- Runs: 2719, Best: 151
- Average/SR: 51.30/82.99
- 100/50: 9/16
Recent ODI Form: 11, 6, 60, 24, 90
Last ODI: May 3, 2023
Age: 27
Embed from Getty Images2. Fakhar Zaman
Role: Left-Hand Bat (Opener, #3)
- Matches/Innings: 78/77
- Runs: 3148, Best: 210*
- Average/SR: 48.43/93.27
- 100/50: 10/15
Recent ODI Form: 101, 117, 180*, 19, 14, 33
Last ODI: May 7, 2023
Age: 33
Embed from Getty Images3. Babar Azam (C)
Role: Right-Hand Bat
- Matches/Innings: 108/105
- Runs: 5089, Best: 158
- Average/SR: 59.17/89.24
- 100/50: 18/26
Recent ODI Form: 49, 65, 54, 107, 1
Last ODI: March 7, 2023
Age: 28
Embed from Getty Images4. Iftikhar Ahmed
Role: Right-Hand Bat/ Right Arm Off spin
- Matches/Innings: 19/16
- Runs: 246, Best: 94*
- Average/SR: 41.00/101.65
- 100/50: 0/1
- Wickets: 8, Best: 5/40
- Economy: 5.38
Recent ODI Form: 2, 8*, DNB, 28, 94* & 1/36, 0/38, 1/38, 0/21
Last ODI: May 7, 2023
Age: 33
Embed from Getty Images5. Abdullah Shafique
Role: Right-Hand Bat
- Matches/Innings: 4/4
- Runs: 28
- Average/SR: 9.33/66.66
- 100/50:0/0
Recent ODI Form: 2, 7, 19
Last ODI: May 3, 2023
Age: 23
Embed from Getty Images6. Agha Salman
Role: Right-Hand Bat/Right Arm Off spin
- Matches/Innings: 11/10
- Runs: 337, Best: 58
- Average/SR: 48.14/108.7
- 100/50: 0/3
- Wickets: 3, Best: 2/42
- Economy: 5.57
Recent ODI Form: 7, DNB, 31, 58, 57 & 0/15, 0/34, 1/42, 0/49, 0/60
Last ODI: May 7, 2023
Age: 29
Embed from Getty Images7. Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
Role: Right-Hand Bat/Wicketkeeper
- Matches/Innings: 65/59
- Runs: 1408, Best: 115
- Average/SR: 34.34/88.22
- 100/50: 2/9
- Catches/Stumpings: 52/2
Recent ODI Form: 77, 42*, 54*, 32, 24, 9
Last ODI: May 7, 2023
Age: 31
Embed from Getty Images8. Saud Shakeel
Role: Left-hand Bat/Left Arm Spin
- Matches/Innings: 6/5
- Runs: 67, Best: 56
- Average/SR: 22.33/66.33
- 100/50: 0/1
Recent ODI Form: 5, 56, 3*, 3, DNB
Last ODI: March 21, 2022
Age: 27
Embed from Getty Images9. Shadab Khan (VC)
Role: Right Arm Leg spin/Right-Hand Bat
- Matches/Innings: 64/39
- Wickets: 73, Best: 4/28
- 4-fer/5-fer: 4/0
- Economy: 5.13
- Runs: 631, Best: 86
- 100/50: 0/4
Recent ODI Form: 86, 48*, DNB, DNB, 21*, 14 & 4/62, 0/47, 1/41, 1/56, 0/45, 2/67
Last ODI: May 7, 2023
Age: 24
Embed from Getty Images10. Mohammad Nawaz
Role: Left Arm Spin/Left-Hand Bat
- Matches/Innings: 32/24
- Wickets: 37, Best: 4/19
- 4-fer/5-fer: 3/0
- Economy: 4.94
- Runs: 283, Best: 53
Recent ODI Form: 4/38 1/53, 0/55, 0/40. 0/26 & 3,8,8*, DNB, 11*
Last ODI: May 3, 2023
Age: 29
Embed from Getty Images11. Hasan Ali
Role: Right Arm Fast
- Matches/Innings: 60/58
- Wickets: 91, Best: 5/34
- 4-fer/5-fer: 1/4
- Economy: 5.75
Last ODI: June 12, 2022
Age: 29
Embed from Getty Images12. Haris Rauf
Role: Right Arm Fast
- Matches/Innings: 28/28
- Wickets: 39, Best: 4/65
- 4-fer/5-fer: 3/0
- Economy: 5.85
Recent ODI Form: 0/41, 2/65, 4/78, 2/37, 1/45
Last ODI: May 7, 2023
Age: 29
Embed from Getty Images13. Mohammad Wasim
Role: Right Arm Fast
- Matches/Innings: 14/7
- Wickets: 24, Best: 4/36
- 4-fer/5-fer: 1/0
- Economy: 5.32
Recent ODI Form: 0/46, 2/35, 2/50, 3/40, 1/24
Last ODI: May 7, 2023
Age: 22
Embed from Getty Images14. Shaheen Shah Afridi
Role: Left Arm Fast
- Matches/Innings: 44/43
- Wickets: 70, Best: 6/35
- 4-fer/5-fer: 5/2
- Economy: 5.52
Recent ODI Form: 1/17, 2/63, 2/53, 1/34, 3/46
Last ODI: May 7, 2023
Age: 23
Embed from Getty Images15. Usama Mir
Role: Right Hand Leg spin
- Matches/Innings: 8/8
- Wickets: 10, Best: 4/43
- 4-fer/5-fer: 1/0
- Economy: 5.29
Recent ODI Form: 2/42, 1/42, 1/61, 0/66, 4/43, 2/53
Last ODI: May 7, 2023
Age: 27
Embed from Getty Images16. Naseem Shah*
*ruled out of the final World Cup squad due to injury
Role: Right Arm Fast
- Matches/Innings: 8/8
- Wickets: 23, Best: 5/33
- 4-fer/5-fer: 0/2
- Economy: 4.73
Recent ODI Form: 5/57, 3/58, 2/29, 1/49, 2/42
Last ODI: May 3, 2023
Age: 20
Embed from Getty Images17. Faheem Ashraf**
**not picked in the final World Cup squad
Role: Left-Hand Bat/Right Arm Medium
- Matches/Innings: 31/30
- Wickets: 23, Best: 5/22
- 4-fer/5-fer: 0/1
- Economy: 5.11
- Runs: 218, Best: 28
Recent ODI Form: 11, 1, 5, 1, 10 & 1/62, 0/30, 0/33, 0/45, 0/34
Last ODI: July 13, 2021
Age: 29
Embed from Getty Images18. Tayyab Tahir**
**not picked in the final World Cup squad
Role: Right Hand Bat
*Has debuted in T20Is, but not ODIs yet.
List A Record:
- Matches/Innings: 53/53
- Runs: 53/53, Best: 169
- 100s/50s:4/16
- Average/SR: 44.23/90.83
Age:
Embed from Getty Images19. Mohammad Haris***
***reserve
Role: Right Hand Bat/Wicketkeeper
- Matches/Innings: 5/4
- Runs: 27, Best: 17*
- 100/50: 0/0
- Average/SR: 9.00/103.84
- Catches/Stumpings: 4/2
Recent ODI Form: DNB, 6, 0, 4, 17*
Last ODI: May 5, 2023
Age: 22
Embed from Getty ImagesFinal Thoughts
Pakistan’s fast bowling unit has always been good, but this time they also have a stable top order, an in-form keeper, variety of spin options, and a Babar Azam.
Oh yes, and in Shadab Khan, they have one of the best fielders going around.
Take Pakistan lightly at your own peril.
What do you all think? How far can Pakistan go in the upcoming Asia Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup?
Related ODI World Cup Articles
If you liked this article, be sure to check some of the other World Cup content:
- 2023 Cricket World Cup South Africa Squad Breakdown (The Definitive Guide): Which 15 players will make the final squad from the Preliminary Squad of 18?
- Bangladesh Asia Cup 2023 Squad Breakdown: Which of the 19-men Squad will make the Bangladesh 2023 World Cup Squad?
- India Asia Cup 2023 Squad Breakdown: Which of these 18-men will make the India 2023 Cricket World Cup Squad?
- ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Schedule (Complete Guide): What is the Schedule of Each Team for the 2023 ODI World Cup?
- 2023 Cricket World Cup England Squad (The Definitive Guide): Can England Continue their ODI Legacy?
- 2023 Cricket World Cup Australia Squad Breakdown (The Definitive Guide): Which 15 players will make the final squad from the Preliminary Squad of 18?
- Who Has Scored the Most Runs in ODI Cricket World Cups (Men’s)?| List of Top 21 Most Runs in Cricket World Cup (Updated 2023)
Frequently Asked Questions
The average age of Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 squad is 26.9. Pakistan is going with a young squad. They have youngsters like Naseem Shah (20), Mohammad Wasim (21), Mohammad Haris (22), and Shaheen Shah Afridi (23). Fakhar Zaman is the oldest member of squad at just 33.
Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (C), Iftikhar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim, Mohammad Haris, Tayyab Tahir, Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman, Abdullah Shafique, and Agha Salman are selected for Pakistan’s 2023 Cricket World Cup squad.
Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (C), Iftikhar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim, Mohammad Haris, Tayyab Tahir, Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman, Abdullah Shafique, and Agha Salman are selected.
Yes, Pakistan have it in them to win the 2023 ODI World Cup. They have a strong core that has been playing since the 2017 Champions Trophy as well as some new faces. Their pace bowling is as good as it gets, and this time they have the batting to back it up.
© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, LLC 2023. Originally published on 08/19/2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).
