Pakistan cricket declares 16 man squad for Sri Lanka series
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have declared a 16 man squad for three match ODI series against Sri Lanka, which is slated to begin from 27th September in Karachi.
The head coach Misbah-ul-Haq claims that the national side has lined up the best possible squad for the series.
“After thorough discussions with the members of the selection committee and meticulous planning, I feel we have put together the best possible squad,” Misbah stated.
“These are the only 50-over matches we play this season and we want to make their optimum use. Over the course of my cricketing career, I have realised there are no easy games and there are no easy opponents in cricket,” he added.
Mohamad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Shinwari, Abid Ali and Mohammad Hasnain have all been re-inducted in the national side for the Sri Lanka series.
“The five boys, who have been recalled, were straightforward selections. 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, however, a perfect opportunity for these players to prove their mettle in international cricket and cement their place in the one-day side.”
Furthermore, Hasan Ali was unable to book a spot in the Pakistani squad as he is recuperating from a back spasm.
Pakistan will face the Sri Lankan side in their first ODI clash on 27th September in Karachi.
Pakistan Squad: Srfaraz Ahmed (captain), Babar Azam, Abid Ali, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Usman Shinwari, Wahab Riaz.
