2024 T20 World Cup: Ramiz Raja selects Pakistan’s first two players

Ramiz Raja, the former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has selected Pakistan’s opening duo for the 2024 T20 World Cup.

The United States and the West Indies will host the T20 World Cup 2024 starting on June 1.

After teenager Saim Ayub failed to live up to expectations in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, Ramiz Raja, the PCB chairman for two years, has suggested that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan open for Pakistan.

“I think the Pakistani team still has a lot of answers to give; the series hasn’t solved any problems; instead, it’s highlighted and brought them to light,” Ramiz posted on his YouTube account.

“Our opening pair is a mess; Sami Ayub plays with his method in the first two matches, then attempts to change it in the third round if he flops, which makes things even more difficult for him. The more his success, the more confident he will become. Babar was like that in his early years; he was talented but inexperienced and lacking in confidence,” he continued.

“The tried-and-true combination of Babar and Rizwan opening is a safe choice. Currently, Pakistan loses a few wickets in the first two to three overs, which prevents the momentum from building, Raja concluded.

Pakistan’s schedule for the 2024 T20 World Cup

Pakistan against. USA, Dallas, June 6
India vs. Pakistan on June 9 in New York
June 11: Canada vs. Pakistan in New York
June 16: Ireland vs. Pakistan, Lauderhill
T20 World Cup 2024: Groups

Group A: Ireland, Pakistan, India, Canada, and the US
Group B: Scotland, Oman, Namibia, Australia, and England
Group C: Papua New Guinea, Afghanistan, Uganda, West Indies, and New Zealand
Group D: Nepal, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and South Africa