PCB recalls Ahmed Shehzad, retains skipper Shahid Afridi for World Twenty20

New Delhi: After a shameful performance in the recently concluded Asia Cup T20, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday recalled experienced opener Ahmed Shehzad in their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC World Twenty20.

However, even after a below par performance by skipper Shahid Afridi, selectors retained him to lead the side.

Shehzad will replace Khurrum Manzoor in the 15-man squad for the coveted tourney, which is scheduled to take place in India.

After a string on poor performances at national level, selectors had dropped Shehzad for the Asia Cup and World Twenty20 last month.

Chief selector Haroon Rasheed justified Shehzad's recall by stating that the opener had shown a return to form in the Pakistan Super League.

"The team has been selected keeping in mind the conditions during the World T20 in India," Haroon was quoted as saying by PTI.

"The team is a fine blend of experience and youth and the selectors believe that team will do well in the mega event," he added.

In another change, middle-order batsman Khalid Latif has been replaced by Ifthikar Ahmed.

Pakistan squad: Ahmed Shehzad, Sharjeel Khan, Muhammad Hafeez, Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Khalid Latif, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Anwar Ali, Muhammad Nawaz, Emad Wasim, Shahid Afridi (Capt), Wahab Riaz, Muhammad Aamir, Muhammad Irfan and Muhammad Sami.