June 9, everyone has saved the date, from non-cricket fans to die-hard ones. A few questions taking over the internet are, who is going to win in the India vs Pakistan clash, what is the best possible eleven for India, and for Pakistan? But with Pakistan already off to the worst possible start in T20 World Cup 2024, losing to minnows USA, Babar Azam faces a lot of challenges in Pakistan Playing XI for India on Sunday.
The good news is that Imad Wasim has recovered from a rib injury just in time and he is all set to come in. Who is he going to replace? It will be an easy choice. Drop Azam Khan, who has been in terrible form and clearly not at his best fitness to field for 20 overs and his schoolboy errors behind the stumps don’t give confidence to coach Gary Kirsten either.
Changes galore?
Pakistan, who just lost the game against the tournament debutant USA, could be tempted to make quite a few changes to their Playing XI. However, they hardly have options. The only specialist spinner Abrar Ahmed hasn’t played since April and he is unlikely to play in such a high-pressure game.
So, Pakistan will have only 13 players to choose from in that sense. As they have done in the past, they will stick to the tried and tested method of playing the strongest possible fast-bowling attack in Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, and Haris Rauf.
The good news for Pakistan Cricket Team is the return of Imad Wasim. He will bolster the spin attack that had an out-of-form Shadab Khan and a part-time Iftikhar Ahmed.
Predicted Pakistan Playing XI vs India
| Players | Role |
| Babar Azam (c) | Batter |
| Mohammad Rizwan | Wicketkeeper- Batter |
| Usman Khan | Batter |
| Fakhar Zaman | Batter |
| Iftikhar Ahmed | All Rounder |
| Shadab Khan | All Rounder |
| Imad Wasim | All Rounder |
| Shaheen Afridi | Bowler |
| Mohammad Amir | Bowler |
| Naseem Shah | Bowler |
| Haris Rauf | Bowler |
End of Azam Khan
The writing was on the wall. But it might just be time to drop Azam Khan. Despite his talent, he has been a big flop on the international stage. That Azam Khan averages 8.80 after playing 16 T20Is is a shambolic record. In 2024, Azam got his highest T20I score of 30 against Ireland off just 10 balls. But that has faded away once again.
Add his poor fielding and keeping skills, he should not be in the Pakistan team for any matches whatsoever. Hence, Azam Khan goes out from Pakistan Playing XI for Imad Wasim.
