Wasim replaces Naseem in Under-19 team for World Cup

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board has withdrawn fast bowler Naseem Shah from next month’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup to be played in South Africa from January 17 to February 9.

The National Junior Selector Committee, headed by Saleem Jaffar, has named Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Mohammad Wasim Jnr as Naseem’s replacement. Wasim took three wickets each in the ACC Asia Cup and on the tour of South Africa. He bagged seven wickets on the tour of Sri Lanka. On the domestic circuit, he played one under-19 one-day match in which he bagged three wickets. He snapped up seven wickets in three under-19 three-day matches.

PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “The ICC U19 Cricket World Cup is a stepping stone for future stars and a platform for budding youngsters to graduate to international cricket. Naseem has recently broken that glass ceiling and has established his credentials as an international cricketer.

“As such, the PCB has taken a pragmatic approach and decided to withdraw him from next year’s competition to provide this opportunity to another promising cricketer.

“This should not deter Pakistan’s chances at next year’s ICC U19 Cricket World Cup as the selectors have picked a side that is experienced and bubbling with confidence to perform strongly.

“Naseem will now remain in Pakistan and continue to work on his skills under the watchful eyes of bowling coach Waqar Younis. Furthermore, he will remain available for the home series against Bangladesh,” the PCB CEO said.

Pakistan, the 2004 and 2006 champions and three-time runners-up, are placed in Group C of the 16-team event and will play Scotland in their opening match on January 19 in Potchefstroom.

Pakistan’s second match will be against Zimbabwe at the Witrand Oval on January 22 and the third and final group match on January 24 at the JP Marks Oval against Bangladesh in Potchefstroom.

The top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the Super League, while the remaining teams will feature in the Plate Championship. The Super League stage will commence from January 28 and the top four sides will qualify for the semi-finals. The final will be played on February 9 in Potchefstroom.

The Pakistan Under-19 cricket team’s preparation camp commenced at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore from on Wednesday. The team will depart for Johannesburg on January 10.