Chief selector backs ‘surprise package’ Junaid Khan

E-Paper | June 12, 2026

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PCB Chief Selector Mohsin Hasan Khan believes Junaid Khan will justify his selection for the World Cup. —AFP Photo

KARACHI: Uncapped fast bowler Junaid Khan received the backing of chief selector Mohsin Hasan Khan after being included in Pakistan’s World Cup squad on Wednesday.

Junaid replaced bowling all-rounder Sohail Tanvir in the 15-man squad after the latter was declared unfit by Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) medical team.

“Junaid gave an outstanding performance during Pakistan A’s tour of Sri Lanka and West Indies last year,” Khan said.

The 21-year-old left arm medium pacer from Swabi, has taken 167 wickets in 35 first games after making his debut for Abbottabad against Multan in 2007.

“We (selection committee) had also considered the names of Tanvir Ahmed and Aizaz Cheema but decided on Junaid after consulting with the captain and coach.”

Junaid played two unofficial Tests and three List A (ODI) matches during Pakistan A’s tour of Sri Lanka, taking 15 wickets.

“He is really quick and he moves the ball both ways,” the former Pakistan opener said, adding that Junaid’s experience of playing in Sri Lanka will come in handy during the World Cup.

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Muhammad Asad

Feb 09, 2011 10:39pm

Totally agree with Mohsin Hassan Khan this time :)

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Ayaz

Feb 10, 2011 01:30pm

Yes i do agree with Mohsin. Sohail may b fit for playing but he was lacking his bowling form. He can b good again in domestic matches where he can take many wikcets again……..but for International cricket he is not not looking to upto the mark. He needs some more time to make a good comeback to Paki team.

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Tahir

Feb 10, 2011 04:27pm

Gut feeling is that it is a very good decision and this lad will really do well.

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abrar

Feb 10, 2011 06:32pm

I think thats good decision junaid khan has taken 167 wickets in only 35 matches

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optimist

Feb 10, 2011 06:49pm

I agree wioth Mohsin Khan's decision to replace Sohail Tanveer who would have been an access baggage for the World Cup. One thing I still do not understand, how come Fawad Alam was not even in the list of 30 players. Even Shoaib Malik and Danish Kaneria were considered but were ruled out for clearance reason. Now Fawad do not have a chance if any replacament is requsested, in case of injury to a leading batsman. Someone made sure that he must not go to the World Cup. Average players come and go, but real talent will remain. Time will tell.

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umair sarfraz

Feb 10, 2011 08:47pm

good decision

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umar sarfraz

Feb 10, 2011 08:53pm

i think this is right decision because sohail tanveer is not a wicket taking bowler

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sarmad mahmood

Feb 12, 2011 05:36pm

Yah totally agree with mohsin..This is the great decision by PCB by putting such a good talented bowler in Pak team..i m preety sure that he will fill the space that has been created by M.Amir and he would be the replacement...junaid kahn is a good talent and helpful for pakistan in Wc..

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Aftab

Feb 13, 2011 12:05pm

Numbers say that the decision is ok as left arm is replacing the left arm, but we have to see this new guy in other areas of the game such as fielding and batting. As he has recently played in Srilanka so its good for him and Pakistan.

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amjad khalil

Feb 13, 2011 03:19pm

Wish him good luck. but I think something is missing in him. I have watched him bowling in a video clip in a domestic match. At the time of delivery of the ball he bent too much which can be very bad during world cup.

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Bozdar

Feb 17, 2011 11:39am

well.. I think its very Good Decision by Mohsin Khan..Junaid Khan is very talented young Bowler...i hope he get chance in Pakistan And England Warm Up Match...And shoaib Should be Bowling alongside with him..thats how our Coach and Captain will get an idea about their first Choice.....Best of Luck Pakistan....My Prays Are with you..Hope We Do Good This time...:)

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