Middle-order batsman Sohaib Maqsood has returned to Pakistan’s T20 and ODI squads for the tour of Zimbabwe after recovering from the wrist injury that kept him out of series against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
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The national selection committee led by Haroon Rasheed has introduced Imran Khan Jr, who could be Pakistan’s surprise weapon in the World T20. All-rounder Amir Yameen has also been called-up to the squad in place of Anwar Ali, who will miss the T20 due to a groin injury and his imminent marriage.
Imran, a left-arm medium pacer, possesses good slower balls and finished as the leading wicket taker in the recently concluded domestic T20 of Pakistan where he bamboozled some of Pakistan’s best batsmen.
Opener Nauman Anwar has been axed in favour of Sohaib while the selectors have kept faith in Mukhtar Ahmed.
The selection committee has selected the various squads with three key points in mind. Firstly the team must have continuity in Pakistan’s rebuilding by retaining the majority of players who were part of the successful last tour of Sri Lanka.
Secondly, outstanding performers in the recently concluded Haier T20 National tournament were rewarded with selection.
Finally, players returning from injury with adequate experience that can benefit the team have been selected.
“Anwar has been rested for the T20 series against Zimbabwe due to groin strain but would join the team for the ODI series in Zimbabwe after going through rehab at the NCA,” Chief selector Rashid explained. “Sarfraz Ahmed will not be part of T20 squad against Zimbabwe because he will be performing Hajj (Pilgrimage).”
Chairman PCB Shaharyar Mohammad Khan has approved Pakistan’s squads for the tour of Zimbabwe (Two T20s and three ODIs), and for the subsequent Test series against England in the UAE.
In naming the squads, which also includes the Pakistan ‘A’ team for a match against England, the selection committee also consulted Pakistan head Coach Waqar Younis and captains Misbah-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi and Azhar Ali.
Very Balanced side for #PAKvENG Test series. Happy to see @iamfawadalam25 back in tests after 5 years! Best wishes mate!
— Adeel Azhar (@adeel_azhar) September 16, 2015
Fawad Alam replaces Haris Sohail in the Test squad to take on England while all other 14 players who played against Sri Lanka are retained.
“In the light of Misbah-ul-Haq recommendations, we have kept the options open for the 16th player in the Test squad against England with spinners Zafar Gohar and Mohammad Asghar in pole position,” Haroon said.
“In addition, some budding youngsters have been recommended for inclusion into the Lahore training camp for the Zimbabwe tour . They are Rumman Raees (LAMF), Junaid Khan (LAMF), Mir Hamza (LAMF), Hassan Ali (RAMF), Ziaul Haq (LAMF), Zafar Gohar (LLS), Mohammad Asghar (LLS), Iftikhar Ahmed (RHB) of Peshawar and Faisal Mubashir (RHB) of Bahawalpur.”
England has announced Test, ODI and T20 squads to take on Pakistan in UAE. Complete list attached. #PAKvENG #Cricket pic.twitter.com/Bp2CeoOBh8
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) September 15, 2015
Pakistan T20Is squad for the Zimbabwe tour
Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Mukhtar Ahmed, Umar Akmal, Sohaib Maqsood, Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi (C), Amir Yamin, Mohammad Irfan, Bilal Asif, Wahab Riaz, Imad Wasim, Sohail Tanvir, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Imran Khan Jr
Pakistan ODI squad for the Zimbabwe tour
Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Azhar Ali (C ), Sohaib Maqsood, Shoaib Malik, Babar Azam, Sarfraz Ahmed (WK), Mohammad Rizwan, Immad Wasim, Anwar Ali, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah, Rahat Ali, Mohammad Irfan, Asad Shafiq
Pakistan Team for Test matches against England at UAE
Ahmed Shehzad, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, Fawad Alam, Asad Shafiq, Misbah-ul-Haq ( C ), Younis Khan, Sarfraz Ahmed (WK), Yasir Shah, Zulfiqar Babar, Wahab Riaz, Imran Khan, Rahat Ali, Junaid Khan
Pakistan ‘A’ Team for 2 practice matches against England at UAE
Sami Asalm, Khurram Manzoor, Fawad Alam, Umar Amin, Ali Asad, Iftikhar Ahmed, Usman Salahuddin, Adnan Akmal (WK), Mohammed Asghar, Zafar Gohar, Junaid Khan (C ), Ehsan Adil, Ziaul Haq, Mir Hamza
