Afridi, Hasan out injured, Hafeez dropped as Misbah names ODI squad for Sri Lanka series

Usman Shinwari and several standouts from the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy recalled; Fakhar Zaman survives too.

By Web Desk
September 21, 2019
Shaheen Afridi is out after contracting dengue fever during the off-season. — Photo: file

Rising star Shaheen Afridi, injured pacer Hasan Ali and veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez were the notable absentees as head coach Misbahul haq announced on Saturday Pakistan's 16-man squad for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Misbah, who also doubles as the team's chief selector, made the announcement at Lahore's Gaddafi stadium.

The aforementioned trio was a part of Pakistan's World Cup 2019 roster but failed to make what is the national team's first squad since.

Afridi's absence would be a major setback for Pakistan, the left arm pacer being one of the most impressive performers at the World Cup. He had contracted dengue fever and had to be hospitalised earlier this month, which may have led to his non-inclusion.

Hasan, who got married during the off-season, is out due to back spasms. Hafeez had an unremarkable World Cup campaign. That and his age may have caused his ouster from the squad.

Meanwhile, Abid Ali, Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Rizwan — all of who performed well in the opening round of the Quaide-e-Azam Trophy — have been recalled. Iftikhar Ahmed and Usman Shinwari have also been named in the squad.

“The five boys, who have been recalled, were straightforward selections," explained Misbah. "Iftikhar Ahmed is a batsman who can also bowl off-spin and provides the captain with necessary bowling depth as Sri Lanka boasts a few left-handers in their ranks. 

"Mohammad Nawaz has been performing well in domestic matches. Despite their strong performances, Moahmmad Rizwan, Usman Shinwari and Abid Ali were unlucky to miss out the World Cup squad.

“This is a perfect opportunity for these players to prove their mettle in international cricket and cement their place in the one-day side.”

Surprisingly, opening batsman Fakhar Zaman, who not only had a horrible World Cup campaign but has even been struggling with a knee injury, is retained in the squad.

READ: Out-of-form Fakhar Zaman rejects the idea that his technique is flawed

Asif Ali, who also failed to make a mark at the tournament, has been named in the roster.

However, Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad, who had been called up for late fitness tests and even included in the probables list, did not make the final cut.

Full squad: 

Sarfaraz Ahmed (capt), Babar Azam, Abid Ali, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Hasnain, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan Shinwari, Wahab Riaz

Comments