Why Pakistan is not playing T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up matches?

The Babar Azam-led Pakistan have been one of the most consistent sides in the T20 World Cup history. However, there is no doubt about it as they made to the semifinals of the 2021 T20 World Cup, where they eventually lost to Australia and a year later, in 2022, they again reached the final but lost to England in the summit clash.

But with the return of Babar Azam at the helm after resigning from the captaincy after a dismal outing in the 2023 ODI World Cup, the Men in Green will aim to end their title draught. But as all the teams gear for the biennial tournament, which is just a night away from start, Pakistan hasn’t played any warm-up match.

While their arch-rivals India will take on Bangladesh in the solitary warm-up fixture, scheduled to be held on June 1 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, Pakistan have opted to not feature in any. As per cricket.com.au, the teams were asked if they would want to play a warm-up match before the marquee tournament, and unlike India, Pakistan denied it. 

Apart from Pakistan, New Zealand and England also did not play any warm-up match in the USA and West Indies. However, it is to be noted that Pakistan is coming after a 0-2 series defeat against the Three Lions. 

Pakistan at T20 World Cup 2024

The Babar Azam-led Men in Green are placed in Group A for the T20 World Cup 2024, alongside India, Ireland, co-hosts USA and Canada. Before they take on India in the much-awaited clash at the marquee tournament, they will kick of their campaign on June 6 against Ireland. 

Pakistan’s squad for T20 World Cup 2024

Babar Azam (Captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan