Hafeez still out, Sharjeel in Pakistan squad for New Zealand tour

Green caps will face Black caps in two-Test series, which will start from November 17

Veteran opener Mohammad Hafeez once again missed out on a place in the Test squad, this time for the New Zealand tour, which will begin from November 17.

Chief Selector Inzamamul Haq finalised the 16-member squad on Monday after consultation with coach Mickey Arthrur and captain Misbahul Haq.

Hafeez, who was dropped from the series against West Indies, was in contention for a spot in the squad as the third opener, but the selectors decided otherwise and opted for Sharjeel Khan, who is yet to play for Pakistan in the five-day format.

Another notable absentee from the squad is veteran left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar, who could not able to find a place in the 16-member squad.

Inzamam, while talking to the media, said that the team is picked on the basis of recent performances during England and West Indies series.

“The Test team has been selected keeping in mind the conditions in New Zealand and the performances of players in the recent Test series against England and West Indies,” said Inzamam.

“The team is a fine blend of experience and youth, and the selectors have decided to stick to the same combination of players selected in the series against England and West Indies, and we believe the combination will produce good results on the tour.”

Pakistan Squad

Misbahul Haq (captain), Azhar Ali, Sami Aslam, Sharjeel Khan, Yunus Khan, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Rahat Ali, Sohail Khan, Imran Khan Sr.