Pakistan Cricket Board announced a 16-member squad for the three Twenty20 Internationals against World XI, on Friday (August 25).
Sarfaraz Ahmed will lead the side that includes youngsters like Fahim Ashraf, Ruman Raees, Usman Shinwari and Aamer Yamin. Fast bowler Sohail Khan, who last made an appearance for the national team in October 2016, has also been included in the squad.
Sarfraz Ahmed (C, wk), Fakhar Zaman, Ahmed Shehzad, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Umer Amin, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Hassan Ali, Amir Yamin, Mohammad Amir, Rumman Raees, Usman Shinwari, Sohail Khan.
While Ashraf, Raees and Yamin have played One-Day Internationals for Pakistan, Shinwari has featured in two T20Is, against Sri Lanka, in 2013. Sohail last played a T20I in 2011 against Zimbabwe in Harare. Allrounder Umar Amin too finds a place in the side after impressive performances in the List A matches, including two centuries – 111 and 156 – in last four games.
The notable omissions from the squad include Azhar Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, Kamran Akmal and Wahab Riaz.
“The team has been selected keeping in mind the conditions and the recent performances of some players in the domestic and international tours. The players’ consists of a combination of the fine blend of youth and senior players,” Inzamam ul Haq, the chief selector, said.
“It would be good for the young players to get a chance to play on the home ground and perform in front of the local public.”
The board had recalled all Pakistan players from the ongoing County Championships and Caribbean Premier League for a fitness test before announcing the squad. The players, though, were allowed to return soon after.
The World XI side, led by Faf du Plessis, will play three T20Is in Lahore on September 12, 13 and 15.
The World XI series will mark the return of international cricket in Pakistan. They are also due to host Sri Lanka and Windies, after the conclusion of the World XI series. The Windies are expected to visit Pakistan sometime in late November for a three-match T20I series.
Pakistan, who haven’t hosted any high-profile international cricket ever since the terror attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in March 2009, lost their share of matches during the 2011 World Cup which was co-hosted by India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The only teams who travelled to Pakistan in this period were Zimbabwe and Afghanistan (they played three unofficial ODIs against Pakistan A). The peaceful hosting of the Pakistan Super League 2017 final in Lahore painted a positive image in their bid towards bringing international cricket back to their country.
