Australia series: Younus dumped from ODI squad
Following days of deliberation, the national selection committee unveiled the ODI and T20 squad for the upcoming series against Australia set to be played next month.
Former captain Younus Khan, who was recalled to the ODI squad for the series against Sri Lanka, was surprisingly left out of the 50-over format after getting only one opportunity on the tour.
After holding a series of meetings with fellow selectors, head coach Waqar Younis, ODI captain Misbahul Haq and T20 captain Shahid Afridi, committee head Moin Khan announced the squad after getting chairman Shaharyar Khan’s approval over Younus’ contentious exclusion.
“Younus is not part of our plan for the World Cup hence he has not been selected,” Moin told the media at the Qaddafi stadium.
“There was consensus among the selectors on this decision. However, I will reiterate that we have not closed the ODI cricket door on him.”
Umar Amin regains spot in both squads
Batsmen Awais Zia and Umar Amin have been recalled on the basis of their fine performance in the ongoing National T20 Cup.
Amin, rated highly by Waqar, made another comeback in both formats after failing to cement his spot despite extended runs in all three formats of the game since his Test debut in 2010.
Zia, who scored the first century of the National T20 tournament on the opening day last week, has been included in the T20 squad after playing three matches in the same format against England in 2012.
Saad Nasim, the youngster representing Lahore Lions in the Champions League T20 in India, also won a place in the squad, courtesy his strong performances across the border.
“It’s like a dream come true,” said Saad.
Left-arm spinner Raza Hasan and fast-bowler Bilawal Bhatti also succeeded in winning their berths in the T20 squad.
Sharjeel out, Shafiq in
Left-handed opener Sharjeel Khan paid the price for his ordinary returns in Sri Lanka by failing to find a place in either of the two UAE-bound squads.
On the other hand, middle-order batsman Asad Shafiq was recalled for the 50-over format, keeping in mind his fine form in the current National T20 event.
Wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed was also rewarded by being included in the ODI squad, following his outstanding batting against Sri Lanka in the two Tests played last month.
Pakistan and Australia play the only T20 in Dubai on October 5, while the three one-day internationals are in Sharjah (October 7), Dubai (October 10) and Abu Dhabi (October 13).
Players included in squads
T20:
Shahid Afridi (c), Ahmed Shahzad, Muhammad Hafeez, Umar Akmal, Umar Amin, Sohaib Maqsood, Awais Zia, Saad Nasim, Raza Hasan, Muhammad Irfan, Wahab Riaz, Bilawal Bhatti, Anwar Ali, Sohail Tanvir
ODIs:
Misbahul Haq (c), Ahmed Shahzad, Muhammad Hafeez, Fawad Alam, Umar Amin, Umar Akmal, Asad Shafiq, Sohaib Maqsood, Sarfraz Ahmed, Shahid Afridi, Raza Hasan, Muhammad Irfan, Anwar Ali, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, September 25th, 2014.
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How many chances does Umar Amin deserve? He has been tested for quite some time and he has failed to cast an impression. Younis Khan is much better than Umar Amin - the so called younster.
About time. The selectors for once in my opinion, have made a positive decision keeping in mind the World Cup is not that far away. We should only be selecting those players in the squad who are in the frame for the WC. How long will we keep clinging to the likes of Younis, Afridi, Razzaq (who time and again says he still wants to play for Pak). Their time has come and gone. Good to see Sharjeel dropped, the guy isn't fit enough to be called a sportsman. Coupled with a horrible technique and minimum footwork. However, we've replaced him with another do-or-die type in Awais Zia, who looks like another Imran Nazir in the making (not a compliment). Thrilled for Saad Naseem though, being a Lahori myself! He deserves the call up, and looks like a proper middle order batsman who can score at a quick rate as well. Should have been in the ODI squad too at the expense of Umar Amin/Asad Shafiq. Finally, been saying it for the last couple of years. Raza Hassan can go on to be a top spinner in world cricket. Glad he's finally got his chance after some really impressive performances in the T20 WC a few years back.
Without Younus Khan , Pakistan team is going to struggle to last 50 overs in the WC.
Shock to see the name of Sohail Tanveer. Good to see Raza Hassan Where is Umer Gul
How can u drop such an experienced and senior player like Younis Khan???? totally unfair!!! only his presence could have befitted Pakistan a lot even if he did not have performed... He has got the experience.. a person who make Pakistan win the T20 world cup. I think PCB should re consider its selection. while on the other hand OMAR AMIN has again been awarded with another chance despite of the fact that he has been blessed before quite a few times but did not performed in any of the game. DID NOT RING THE BELLS......
Let's see how many commentators get bent out of shape for this selection. Appears fair selection, good to see Reza Hassan back. He appeared to be very talented ,with Hafeez and Afridi appears a potent spin attack. Pace attack other than Irfan has not distinguished itself. Control issues continue to dog them .Hope for better form. Good luck ,good hunting ,stay healthy and well. I am sure looking forward to enjoy the series.