Azhar set to continue as ODI captain against Windies

Selection committee has handed over preliminary list of 22 players to PCB for upcoming one-day series in UAE

LAHORE: The selection committee led by former captain Inzamamul Haq has handed over a preliminary list of 22 players to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the upcoming ODI series against West Indies.

There were rumours that one-day captain Azhar Ali will either resign or will be removed as the leader in the 50-over format after 4-1 thrashing against England in the recently concluded five-match series.

PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan also said in a TV interview that he will discuss Azhar’s position as the leader of the ODI side once the team will return to Pakistan.

However, in new turn of events, one board official confirmed The Express News  that the 31-year-old will continue to work as the ODI captain. ''Nothing is going to change, and Azhar will lead the team against West Indies,” confirmed PCB official.

One notable exclusion from the preliminary squad is of veteran opener Mohammad Hafeez, who is still struggling with his fitness.

Test opener Sami Aslam and Umar Gul have been dropped from the squad due to poor showing against England in the ODI series, whereas the names of Umar Akmal and young left-arm fast-bowler Rumman Raees are included in the list.

Surprisingly, the tall left-arm fast-bowler Mohammad Irfan, who just managed to bowl five over after he was sent to England in place of Hafeez, is included in the 22-member squad for the series starting from September 30.

While talking to The Express News, chief selector Inzamamul Haq confirmed that the list of 22 players has been given to the board, and also revealed that the 15-man's squad will be announced in 10 days’ time. “Yes, we have given purposed players list to the board,” said Inzamam. “Next week, we will sit again and make final team for  the [ODI] series against West Indies. Hopefully we will be able to announce team around September 25”

When asked about young pacer Amad Butt’s exclusion from the T20I team without playing a single match, the legendary batsman said that the 21-year-old is very talented, but for now, the selection committee’s preference is Rumman Raees. “Amad is a very talented bowler, but Rumman Raees is our first choice [at the moment]. When the team was announced for England, Rumman  had visa and fitness issues, but now he is fully fit and we have included him in the team. But definitely, we will give a chance to Amad in future.”