Malik walks into ODI, T20 squad on demand

Misbah’s last-minute intervention has given Malik another chance to prove himself following the selectors’ decision to give the all-rounder more time to regain his form in the domestic circuit. PHOTO: FILE AFP

There was a sense of justice when former captain Shoaib Malik was omitted from the One-Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 squad but that feeling was short-lived. The PCB, following its press-release comprising the squad members, was followed by a second, confirming that Malik will be part fo the UAE-bound party ‘on the request of Pakistan team captain Misbahul Haq’.

According to an official, Malik was handed the snub because the selectors felt that the all-rounder needed more time in the domestic circuit to regain his form and rhythm. Malik has scored 57 runs in his last 10 innings for Pakistan, while also taking seven wickets.

Meanwhile, upcoming all-rounder Hammad Azam got the selectors’ nod for both formats, while Rawalpindi opener Awais Zia was called up for the Twenty20s after an impressive performance on the domestic circuit. All-rounder Shahid Afridi also made a return to the squad while Younus Khan was left out of the Twenty20 line-up, while Azhar Ali was included in the ODI squad.

The official also revealed that the case of wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed was also discussed in detail, who was replaced by Adnan Akmal in the squad.

“Sarfraz’s ordinary performance in the Pentangular Cup was the reason behind going for Adnan who performed well in the Test series,” the official told The Express Tribune.

‘We have selected a balanced squad’

Meanwhile, chief selector Mohammad Illyas believed that the players chosen for the limited-overs leg of the tour against England represented a blend of youth and experience.

“We’ve tried our best to select a balanced squad,” said Ilyas. “At the same time we have given chances to youngsters as well. The squad will have to continue the hard work in the ODIs and Twenty20s after the Test series whitewash.”

Former captain Afridi was upbeat about Pakistan’s chances ahead of the series.

“Our confidence is high after the whitewash,” said Afridi. “I’ve always tried to contribute towards the team’s success and I’m looking forward to another good show.”

Ajmal will be the key: Latif

Meanwhile, former captain Rashid Latif said that Saeed Ajmal will again be the key for Pakistan in the ODIs and Twenty20s.

“The chances of both sides winning are even,” said Latif. “England are a tough side and Pakistan will have to repeat their performance from the Tests to beat them. Ajmal can again play a key role for Pakistan and might well prove to be the difference.”

ODIs

Misbahul Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat, Younus Khan, Umar Akmal, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Adnan Akmal, Hammad Azam, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Umar Gul, Junaid Khan, Aizaz Cheema, Wahab Riaz, Saeed Ajmal, Abdul Rehman

Twenty20s

Misbahul Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat, Awais Zia, Umar Akmal, Asad Shafiq, Adnan Akmal, Hammad Azam, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Umar Gul, Junaid Khan, Aizaz Cheema, Wahab Riaz, Saeed Ajmal, Abdul Rehman

Published in The Express Tribune, February 8^th, 2012.