Yasir out, Irfan in as Pakistan announce squad for Australia ODIs

Men in Green will play five matches starting from January 13

Leg-spinner Yasir Shah was the shocking absentee as the National Selection Committee led by Chief Selector Inzamamul Haq announced a 15-member squad for the ODI series against Australia on Friday.

The team led by opening batsman Azhar Ali will not feature veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez and wicketkeeper batsman Kamran Akmal. However, Mohammad Irfan has been included in the squad.

The Men in Green will play five matches in the series starting from January 13 in Brisbane.

Inzamam said the team has been selected keeping in mind the conditions in Australia.

“The ODI team has been selected keeping in mind the conditions in Australia and the performances of players in the recent ODI series against West Indies and in domestic cricket,” he said. “The team is a fine blend of experienced and young players, and the selectors have to stick to the same combination of players selected against West Indies earlier.”

Squad:

Azhar Ali (captain), Sharjeel Khan, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Umar Akmal, Asad Shafiq, Mohammad Rizwan, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Hasan Ali, Rahat Ali, Mohammad Irfan