Ajmal is currently banned due to an illegal bowling action and is returning to Pakistan to compete in the domestic circuit as unofficial tests on his action revealed drastic improvement due to remedial work under the guidance of Saqlain Mushtaq.
The off-spinner has been asked by the PCB to appear in domestic matches before being sent for an official International Cricket Council (ICC) test.
“Ajmal has been included in initial 30-man squad as we are hoping that he will be cleared before the submission of the final 15-man squad,” one of the selectors told The Express Tribune.
Meanwhile, Kamran has been included thanks to his form in domestic cricket as selectors feel that the wicketkeeper can be drafted in as a specialist batsman, with his experience of opening the innings in Australia thought to be giving him the edge.
Malik has been kept in the mix as a backup to Muhammad Hafeez, in case his bowling action once again comes into question, as he can provide cover for the all-rounder with his handy off-spin.
Though Malik has been out of the side, he has been making notable contributions in different T20 leagues of the world and had a decent Champions League T20 as well.
“Both Kamran and Malik are experienced campaigners, which is why we’ve selected them in the 30-man squad, but let’s see whether the names get the chairman’s approval,” the official added. “We’ve excluded Abdur Rehman from the list but have named Zulfiqar Babar and Raza Hasan.”
Babar has become Pakistan’s frontline spinner since Ajmal’s suspension and was one of the best performers for the Men in Green in the recent Test series against Australia and New Zealand.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 6th, 2014.
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COMMENTS (4)
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We should not under estimate Kamran and Malik. There was no justification to drop these two players. They are better ODI players than Hafeez and Assad
Akmal and Malik are great players. They should not have been dropped in the first place.
Shame on the selectors, this has become a norm now. They drop Kamran and Mallik and within a couple of months bring them back. They have such a stong approach in PCB.
Sometimes it amazes me how influential some cricketers are in getting their names entered in the squad before the tour or tournaments. Kamran Akmal has been out of the team for months, how can PCB justify his selection? When was the last time he participated in any international tournament? There are hundreds of young talent waiting to get a chance and PCB is still trying old damaged horses. Shame on the selectors and PCB Chairman.