ISLAMABAD: Pakistan cricket selectors have wielded the axe following the disappointing 1-2 One-day International series defeat against Bangladesh, announcing a revamped 16-member squad for the upcoming home series against Australia with notable inclusions and omissions.
The selectors opted for a shake-up by dropping experienced wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and bringing in an uncapped trio Rohail Nazir, Arafat Minhas and Ahmad Daniyal for the three-match ODI series starting at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on May 30.
The decision to leave out Rizwan emerged as the biggest talking point of the squad announcement. Ironically, the seasoned batter had recently finished as Pakistan’s highest run-getter in the Test series against Bangladesh with 181 runs in two matches, yet failed to retain his place in the ODI set-up. Rizwan, who also led Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy hosted by the country last year, now appears to have fallen completely out of favour in the 50-over format.
The selectors, however, restored some experience and firepower to the side by recalling former captain Babar Azam, fast bowler Naseem Shah and all-rounder Shadab Khan, all of whom had missed the Bangladesh ODI series.
One of the more significant developments is the inclusion of left-arm spinner Sufyan Moqim, whose consistent performances in domestic white-ball events finally earned him recognition at the ODI level. Cricket experts had repeatedly questioned his absence from previous squads, and selectors now appear to have acknowledged the need for a specialist attacking spinner in Pakistan’s limited-overs plans.
Despite criticism following Pakistan’s defeat in Bangladesh and his omission from the final Test against the same opposition, Shaheen Shah Afridi retained the ODI captaincy, indicating that the team management and selectors continue to view him as the long-term leader in white-ball cricket.
The squad also reflects Pakistan’s attempt to build towards the future, with several young faces receiving opportunities. Rohail Nazir and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori have been picked as the two wicketkeeper-batters after Usman Khan was ruled out due to illness. Youngsters Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat and Shamyl Hussain have also retained the selectors’ confidence as Pakistan look to inject fresh energy into the side.
Pakistan will, however, miss the services of explosive opener Fakhar Zaman and emerging batting sensation Saim Ayub, both of whom continue rehabilitation under the supervision of the PCB medical panel after injuries.
The squad is scheduled to assemble in Islamabad on Saturday (today) for a training camp under the supervision of head coach Mike Hesson and his support staff. Australia are expected to arrive in Islamabad on May 23 ahead of what promises to be a high-profile and closely watched ODI contest between the two sides.
The series opener will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on May 30, while the remaining two ODIs will be staged at the Gaddafi Stadium on June 2 and June 4 respectively. All matches will begin at 4:30pm local time.
Pakistan ODI squad:
Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Naseem Shah, Rohail Nazir (wk), Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shamyl Hussain and Sufyan Moqim.
Team management:
Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Hanif Malik (batting coach), Shane McDermott (fielding coach), Iftikhar (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Col. Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur).
