Razzaq, Malik recalled with ICC World T20 in sight
We can’t afford experimenting against South Africa: PCB selector.
Abdul Razzaq and Shoaib Malik return to the Twenty20 squad for the upcoming two-match series against South Africa. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
The seasoned duo of Abdul Razzaq and Shoaib Malik returned to Pakistan’s Twenty20 squad for the two-match series against South Africa, which will follow the ongoing five-match One-Day-International series.
The two matches will be played on November 13 and 15 in Dubai. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) named the 14-player squad which included Umar Akmal, who will be returning as a wicket-keeper–batsman after missing the tour of Zimbabwe.
Abdur Rehman was the other player to return, replacing Zulfiqar Babar, who will miss the upcoming series due to a hand injury. Apart from Babar, youngsters Asad Ali, Anwar Ali and Haris Sohail besides Sarfraz Ahmed have all been left out.
“These matches will be a tough test which is why we have named an experienced team,” PCB’s selector Saleem Jaffar told The Express Tribune. “We experimented against Zimbabwe, which we cannot afford against tough opponents like South Africa.”
On the inclusion of Razzaq and Malik, the selector said that both players have the credentials to deliver performances, especially in the shortest format.
“Razzaq is experienced and his batting can be very useful,” said Jaffar. “Same is the case with Malik who also has the added advantage of being a good fielder, and captain [Mohammad Hafeez] is very confident of him making a successful comeback.
“We have included both the senior players with next year’s World Twenty20 in sight, so that by regaining form, they both can strengthen the team for the mega tournament [in March-April 2014].”
Razzaq last played in the 2012 World Twenty20, after which he was supposedly axed because of his media statements against Hafeez. Meanwhile, Malik lost his place in the Twenty20 squad following his failure with the bat in the ICC Champions Trophy in England.
Twnety20 squad
Hafeez (captain), Nasir Jamshaid, Ahmad Shahzad, U Akmal (wicket-keeper), Umar Amin, Shahid Afridi, Sohaib Maqsood, Razzaq, Sohail Tanvir, Mohammad Irfan, Junaid Khan, Saeed Ajmal, Malik, Abdur Rehman
Published in The Express Tribune, November 6th, 2013.
The seasoned duo of Abdul Razzaq and Shoaib Malik returned to Pakistan’s Twenty20 squad for the two-match series against South Africa, which will follow the ongoing five-match One-Day-International series.
The two matches will be played on November 13 and 15 in Dubai. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) named the 14-player squad which included Umar Akmal, who will be returning as a wicket-keeper–batsman after missing the tour of Zimbabwe.
Abdur Rehman was the other player to return, replacing Zulfiqar Babar, who will miss the upcoming series due to a hand injury. Apart from Babar, youngsters Asad Ali, Anwar Ali and Haris Sohail besides Sarfraz Ahmed have all been left out.
“These matches will be a tough test which is why we have named an experienced team,” PCB’s selector Saleem Jaffar told The Express Tribune. “We experimented against Zimbabwe, which we cannot afford against tough opponents like South Africa.”
On the inclusion of Razzaq and Malik, the selector said that both players have the credentials to deliver performances, especially in the shortest format.
“Razzaq is experienced and his batting can be very useful,” said Jaffar. “Same is the case with Malik who also has the added advantage of being a good fielder, and captain [Mohammad Hafeez] is very confident of him making a successful comeback.
“We have included both the senior players with next year’s World Twenty20 in sight, so that by regaining form, they both can strengthen the team for the mega tournament [in March-April 2014].”
Razzaq last played in the 2012 World Twenty20, after which he was supposedly axed because of his media statements against Hafeez. Meanwhile, Malik lost his place in the Twenty20 squad following his failure with the bat in the ICC Champions Trophy in England.
Twnety20 squad
Hafeez (captain), Nasir Jamshaid, Ahmad Shahzad, U Akmal (wicket-keeper), Umar Amin, Shahid Afridi, Sohaib Maqsood, Razzaq, Sohail Tanvir, Mohammad Irfan, Junaid Khan, Saeed Ajmal, Malik, Abdur Rehman
Published in The Express Tribune, November 6th, 2013.