Shan Masood, Hassan Ali, Aamir Jamal, and Usama Mir are some of the players that Pakistan will consider sending to the US and the Caribbean as replacements if the need arises over the course of next month’s T20 World Cup.

Pakistan unveiled their squad for the tournament at the eleventh hour last night but did not name a reserve player. Pakistan have sent reserve players to the last three World Cups since the ICC has allowed the participating sides to carry a maximum of three additional players as a backup for the main squad.

The omission of reserves was striking, considering the tournament is being played halfway across the globe, and usually, it can take an individual at least two days to reach the US from Pakistan.

Grassroots Cricket understands that Pakistan plans to hurry its players in England to the US or the Caribbean in case a player is injured and unable to play a part in the tournament. All players in England are already in possession of travel visas.

An already large contingent and austerity also contributed to the decision. Pakistan’s contingent currently stands at 29, with 14 members in the player support personnel. The ICC covers the cost, ranging from travel, accommodation, and daily allowance, for 23 members of a squad. The costs attached to any members in access of 23 have to be borne by the team.

The decision to keep the squad limited to 15 has also been driven with the intention of keeping every player secure about their place in the squad.

Pakistan have previously had to call up a reserve player in the main squad when Fakhar Zaman injured his knee in the 2022 T20 World Cup. He was replaced by Mohammad Haris.