Sahibzada Farhan named in Pakistan squad for T20 tri-series

Batsman to replace opener Shehzad; Hafeez to make comeback as all-rounder

The National Selection Committee headed by Inzamamul Haq — after consultation with captain Sarfraz Ahmed and head coach Mickey Arthur — has announced a 15-member squad for the tour of Zimbabwe.

Pakistan will take on Zimbabwe and Australia in a triangular T20I series first, with a five-ODI series to take place later against the hosts.

The triangular series will take place from July 1 to July 8, 2018, whereas the five-match ODI series against Zimbabwe will commence from July 13, 2018.

Young opener Sahibzada Farhan has been selected in the squad instead of Ahmed Shehzad on the back of the former’s good performances in the domestic circuit. Farhan is also part of the Islamabad United squad in the Pakistan Super League.

“Sahibzada Farhan has been selected in the T20I squad, whereas Mohammad Hafeez is selected in both T20I and ODI squad," said chief selector Inzamam. "Hafeez will be available for the team as an all-rounder after his bowling action was cleared.”

Regarding middle order batsman Babar Azam, Inzamam said: “Azam was not considered for T20Is because of his injured forearm but it is hoped that he would be fit for ODIs.”

He added: “Asif Ali has been included in the ODI squad to strengthen the lower middle-order while Junaid Khan and Yasir Shah will make a comeback in the ODI squad after successfully recovering from injuries.”

Pakistan team camp will take place from June 25 to 27, 2018 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The team will depart for Zimbabwe on June 28, 2018.

T20 squad

Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Sarfraz Ahmad (c), Haris Sohail, Shadab Khan, Muhammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Hassan Ali, Muhammad Amir, Usman Khan Shinwari, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sahibzada Farhan.

ODI squad

Fakhar Zaman, Imamul Haq, Muhammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Baber Azam (subject to fitness),Asif Ali, Sarfraz Ahmed (c), Muhammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Muhammad Amir, Junaid Khan, Usman Khan Shinwari, Yasir Shah, Hassan Ali and Haris Sohail.