Shehzad replaces Khurram in Pak squad for World T20

PCB has also included top-order batsman Khalid Latif in Pakistan squad for the World T20.

Ahmed Shehzad's performance in Pakistan Super League has earned him a spot in the Pakistan T20 squad.

Pakistan opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad has been called in the World T20 squad as a replacement for Khurram Manzoor.

The decision in this regard has been conveyed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in its final list.

Shehzad has been included in the squad after Manzoor’s disappointing performance in the recently concluded Asia Cup. He scored only 11 runs in the three matches he played.

The 24-year-old Shehzad, who was dropped for the Asia Cup and for the T20 pinnacle event, managed to impress the selectors with his consistent performances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He has made 40 T20 appearances for Pakistan, scoring 941 runs at an average of 24.76. He is also the only Pakistan batsman to score a century in the shortest format of the game.

Besides Shehzad, top-order batsman Khalid Latif, who played his last match against Sri Lanka in 2012, has also been included in the Shahid Afridi-led squad for the mega event. Pakistan will play its first match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 16.

Basit Ali likely to join as Pak batting consultant

Former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali, who is currently the chief of junior selection committee, is likely to be offered the national team’s batting consultant role for the upcoming World T20.

Basit, who appeared in 19 Tests and 50 ODIs for Pakistan, is expected to join the team management rather than replacing anyone for the T20 pinnacle event.

Revised Pakistan Squad: Shahid Afridi (captain), Mohammad Hafeez, Sharjeel Khan, Ahmad Shahzad, Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Imad Wasim, Anwar Ali, Wahab Riaz, Muhammad Amir, Mohammad Irfan, Khalid Latif, Mohammad Nawaz, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Sami.