Pakistan squad announced for Sri Lanka ODI series

The Pakistan Cricket Board on Saturday announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.

Abid Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan and Usman Shinwari earned recalls to the team while Hasan Ali missed out his place in the side due to a back spasm.

Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shahzad and Umar Akmal also miss out.

The squad for the three T20Is against Sri Lanka in Lahore will be announced during the one-day series. Until then, the other players in the probables camp will continue to train at the NCA.

Addressing a press conference Head Coach and Chief Selector Misbah-ul-Haq said, “After thorough discussions with the members of the selection committee and meticulous planning, I feel we have put together the best possible squad."

He added, “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."

Misbah added a season-opening series is crucial for setting the tone. "It is extremely important that we produce solid performances and have favourable results as it will build the confidence of our players and help in carrying the momentum Down Under," he noted.

“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, Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Shinwari and Abid Ali were unlucky to miss out the World Cup squad," he said.

“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,” Misbah added.

Sri Lanka will tour Pakistan to play three ODIs and three T20I matches from September 27 to October 9.

ODI squad

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