News Desk |
Prime Minister Imran Khan met Pakistan’s squad which will represent the country in the International Cricket Council Cricket World Cup 2019 on Friday, April 19, 2019.
The meeting which took place in the PM’s Office was also attended by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairperson Ehsan Mani, coach Mickey Arthur, and chief selector Inzamamul Haq.
PM Imran Offers Advice
According to reports, Prime Minister Imran Khan offered advice to the players on how to prepare for the World Cup along with expressing his confidence in them.
Inzamam said that Hafeez’s inclusion in the squad hinges on him proving his fitness, adding that changes can be made to the 15-man World Cup squad until May 23.
Families of the players also desired to meet the prime minister, but owing to security concerns, they were not allowed. The premier also encouraged the team in order to boost their morale.
One hour long lecture by PM Imran Khan to Pakistan cricket team going for World Cup. Excellent discourse on virtually all aspects of cricket. A lively exchange with cricketers.
— Naeem ul Haque (@naeemul_haque) April 19, 2019
Following the meeting, Naeemul Haque, special assistant to the prime minister tweeted that Prime Minister Khan had given an hour-long lecture to the team.
The meeting comes a day after the PCB announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming World Cup 2019 to be played in England.
World Cup 1992
Imran Khan, a former flamboyant all-rounder was the only Pakistan cricket captain who led green-shirts to their first World Cup victory in 1992. Experienced fast bowler Mohammad Amir has missed out on Pakistan’s 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup squad announced by Chief Selector Inzamam-ul Haq on Thursday, 18 April.
Read more: Cricket World Cup trophy arrives in Pakistan
The southpaw, who famously starred in the Champions Trophy final against India two years ago, paid the price of his poor form in the past two years (just 5 wickets in last 14 ODIs). In his place, teenage pacer Hasnain, who impressed in the 2019 Pakistan Super League (PSL) this year with his raw pace has been inducted into the squad.
Chief Selector Inzamam Confident of Success
“We, the selectors, the coach, and the captain have together drafted our best [possible] squad and tried to keep the Champions Trophy-winning group [intact],” Inzamam said at a press conference held in Lahore. “God willing, this team of ours will be successful.”
Inzamam said that Hafeez’s inclusion in the squad hinges on him proving his fitness, adding that changes can be made to the 15-man World Cup squad until May 23.
Read more: Cricket World Cup trophy arrives in Pakistan
The chief selector defended the team’s recent ODI performance, saying that “a severely understrength Pakistan side gave Australia a decent fight, even if they lost the series.” “It proved that we have bench strength,” he claimed.