Hafeez dropped, Akmal recalled
All-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has been dropped from Pakistan's Test squad ahead of August's series against Sri Lanka, while batsman Umar Akmal has been recalled.
All-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has been dropped from Pakistan's Test squad ahead of August's series against Sri Lanka, while batsman Umar Akmal has been recalled.
Hafeez endured a poor stretch of form during 2013's tours of South Africa and Zimbabwe and this year's two Tests against the Sri Lankans in the United Arab Emirates brought just 113 runs in four innings.
Akmal, meanwhile, has not played the longest form of the international game since September 2011. A first-class average of 49.04 over 63 matches, however, has effectively warranted a recall.
The veteran Younis Khan has been named in the ODI touring party despite a recent contract demotion, which evoked former captain Wasim Akram's public criticism of the Pakistan Cricket Board's decision.
Fast bowlers Mohammad Irfan and Umar Akmal were not considered due to a hip and knee injury respectively.
"It is a mistake to demote Younis similarly it is hard on Irfan that he has been kept in category D, while at same time he is been considered a match-winner in the World Cup," Akram told <i>GEO news</i> recently.
The Sri Lankans and Pakistanis will meet for two Tests in Galle and Colombo between 6 and 18 August. Three ODIs will follow.
<b>Test squad:</b> Ahmed Shehzad, Khurram Manzoor, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Asad Shafiq, Umar Akmal, Sarfraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Mohammad Talha, Junaid Khan, Rahat Ali, Wahab Riaz.
<b>ODI squad:</b> Ahmed Shehzad, Sharjeel Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Younis Khan, Umar Akmal, Fawad Alam, Sohaib Maqsood, Shahid Afridi, Anwar Ali, Saeed Ajmal, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Talha, Wahab Riaz, Zulfiqar Babar.
Latest
-
NewsIndia batsman Mayank Agarwal out of England opener due to suspected concussion
The 30-year-old opener was struck on the helmet during training.
-
NewsJoe Root more interested in Ben Stokes’ welfare than him as England matchwinner
Stokes has taken an indefinite break from the game to prioritise his mental health and fully recover from a finger injury.
-
NewsChris Jordan holds his nerve to secure tight victory for Southern Brave
Rockets grounded as Phoenix rise for handsome win.
-
NewsJames Hildreth helps Somerset to five-wicket victory over Yorkshire
The game was reduced to 20 overs per side by rain.
-
NewsOllie Pope believes England have the quality to cope without absent Ben Stokes
All-rounder Stokes has taken indefinite leave from all cricket in a bid to safeguard his mental health.
-
NewsManchester Originals men move to second in Hundred table with win at Welsh Fire
The Originals chased down their victory target with five balls to spare.
-
NewsJack Leach says Ben Stokes has the support of all the England squad
The pair teamed up for a memorable Ashes win at Headingley in 2019.
-
NewsKevin Pietersen hopes a break from the action benefits Ben Stokes
The 30-year-old England all-rounder is prioritising his mental health.
-
NewsBen Stokes taking break from cricket for mental health reasons
The 30-year-old all-rounder will play no part in the forthcoming Test series against India.
-
NewsECB putting player welfare first as coronavirus hampers Ashes travel plans
Talks with Cricket Australia over travel arrangements are set to take place during the coming weeks.