PCB shortlists 21 players for skill camp

Asif Zakir, Iftikhar Ahmed make way into main team

Pakistan national team chief selector Inzamamul Haq on Wednesday announced names of 21 players who will be a part of the skill camp which will take place from May 30 till June 5 to finalise the Test squad against England.

While laying out the plan for the camp, Inzamam said, “The players will return from the fitness boot camp on May 27. They will be given a two-day rest and the skill camp will start from May 30 and continue till June 5.”

The 46-year-old further announced the A team which will tour England and said that whoever will perform, he will be given a chance in the main team.

“We all know that Pakistan’s tour of England will be tough,” said Inzi. “It can happen that we do not deliver victories, but I am hopeful that our youngsters’ cricket will improve.”

Inzamam also rued the lack of all-rounders in the team.

"We missed Saeed Ajmal after he was banned and we haven't still been able to find his replacement. Likewise, we are finding it difficult to find all-rounders."

Inzamam said that fitness camp in Abbottabad is helping Pakistan players raise their standards of fitnes.

"I saw the camp, it was very good," said Inzamam. "In the start, the boys found things a little difficult but then they started enjoying it. I think if we set up a camp for a longer period next time, it will definitely help players improve their fitness."

Pakistan will tour England in July to play four-Test, five-ODIs and one-off T20 series. The first Test will be played on July 14.

Test squad:

Muhammad Hafeez*, Sami Aslam, Khurram Manzoor, Sarfraz Ahmed, Muhammad Rizwan, Shan Masood, Asif Zakir, Azhar Ali, Younus Khan, Misbahul Haq, Asad Shafiq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Muhammad Amir, Rahat Ali, Imran khan, Junaid Khan, Ehsan Adil, Sohail Khan, Akbarur Rahman, Yasir Shah*, Zulfiqar Babar, Wahab Riaz (if selected, will join team from Essex).

*Subject to fitness

Pakistan 'A' squad:

Sharjeel Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Jahid Ali, Saud Shakil, Baber Azam, Umar Siddique, Abdul Rehman Muzamil, Sharjeel Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Jahid Ali, Saud Shakil, Baber Azam, Umar Siddique, Abdul Rehman Muzamil, Hassan Ali, Mir Hamza, Muhammad Abbas, Aziz Ullah, Bilawal Bhatti, Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Asghar, Shahdab Khan, Muhammad Hassan.