The selectors named a 15-member squad on Monday that will also play five-match home series against New Zealand later this month and a two-match series against England before flying out to the United Arab Emirates for the T20 World Cup.

"We have tried to cover all our bases by catering for the modern day brand of T20 cricket that will be required to perform strongly in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup," chief selector Muhammad Wasim said in a statement.

The selectors have kept confidence in Asif, who the played last of his 29 Twenty20 internationals against Zimbabwe in April.

The middle-order batter averages 25.4 with a strike rate of 121.65, but has been struggling for runs lately.

He is competing in the Caribbean Premier League, but has scored just 32 runs in five matches.

Left-handed batsman Khushdil averages 21 in nine Twenty20s and has not played for Pakistan since an outing against South Africa at Lahore in February.

While acknowledging the fact that both batsmen do not have outstanding numbers, Wasim said that they were the best available for selection.

Pakistan have dropped all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, opening batsman Sharjeel Khan and fast bowler Arshad Iqbal, who were part of Pakistan's squads in the last series against England and the West Indies.

Legspinner Usman Qadir, opening batter Fakhar Zaman and fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani will travel with the team to the UAE as reserve players.

Pakistan ares placed in Group 2 along with arch-rivals India, New Zealand, Afghanistan and two qualifiers and begin their campaign on October 24 against India.

PAKISTAN TWENTY20 WORLD CUP SQUAD

Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Azam Khan, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Sohaib Maqsood.

Travelling reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usman Qadir.

Australian Associated Press