According to a selector, fan-favourite Afridi could face the axe again for the ODI series against South Africa. PHOTO: AFP
According to a selector, the committee is targeting to finalise the squad and send it to the PCB chairman by this weekend.
“We’ll meet in a couple of days,” the selector told The Express Tribune. “We are expecting to finalise the squad on Friday which will be sent to the PCB chairman.”
The three-match Test series will culminate on February 26, while the limited-overs leg of the tour that features two of Twenty20s and five ODIs will kick off on March 1 with the Durban Twenty20 fixture.
Afridi unlikely to make the cut for ODIs
Meanwhile, the selector said all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who was dropped for the ODI series against India, was unlikely to be recalled in the format against South Africa.
“Apart from recent matches against Afghanistan, Afridi hasn’t played much. There are reservations on his selection for the ODI series.”
The star all-rounder struggled in the format last year and scored only 182 runs in his last 16 ODIs at an average of 15.16 and took 15 wickets at 43.13 before being dropped from the ODI squad against India.
However, the selector said the former captain can make a comeback in the shorter format on the tour.
“Afridi is being considered for the Twenty20 matches and he is highly likely to be retained in the format.
“If he performs well, there is a chance the team management could retain him for the ODI series as well.”
On the chances of Abdul Razzaq, who was also dropped from the India tour, the selector said the committee had no clue on the fitness and form of the seasoned all-rounder.
“Razzaq is not being considered for any format. He hasn’t played domestic cricket after he was dropped from the tour of India so we don’t have any idea about his form.”
He said there were high chances of fast bowler Wahab Riaz and left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar to be retained in the ODI squad.
The selector added wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal was also set to be retained in the 50-over format after his counterpart Sarfraz Ahmed failed to impress in the first two Tests.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 19th, 2013.
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Bring in Afridi to face the real fast bowlers on the fast wickets. That should prove his real worth just like it has exposed our openers!
@Uzaer: Their experience was also needed for India tour. Still team won. SO better keep these mediocre players out.
Sarfraz is hopeless. Try another keeper who can bat. If Afridi is serious about his career then why isn't he playing domestic first class cricket? Time to move on.
What about Enwer Ali, the great young bowler and hero of the under 19 world cup match against india. Just because he is poor and does not Zardari as his hooting horn, he is a discard and no good. Wake up PCB, it is time for you to see young players get their part in Pakistan matches. Dont be surprised that they may make Pakistan win a few by their performances.
Bring in Afridi and Razzaq....their experience is needed against South Africa