Azhar Ali rested for Sri Lanka ODIs

Pakistan middle-order batsman Azhar Ali has been rested for the five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka beginning October 13 in UAE.

"The Champions Trophy team has been retained except Azhar Ali, who has been rested for the ODI series to gain full fitness, said Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief selector Inzamam ul Haq.

Young left-handed batsman Imam-ul-Haq, who is also Inzamam's nephew, has been selected in the 15-member squad.

Imam averages 36 in List A cricket and has made three centuries this year for Habib Bank and Pakistan U-23 side.

ODI Squad: Ahmed Shehzad, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (C)(Wk), Imad Wasim, Shahdab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Mohammed Amir, Ruman Raees, Junaid Khan, Haris Sohail and Imam-ul-Haq.

The first ODI will be played at the Dubai International Stadium, Dubai on October 13, followed by games on October 16 and 18 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

The last two matches of the five-match series will be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah on 20 and 23October . 

-ANI