Shaheen, Hassan dropped as Pakistan announces ODI squad for Sri Lanka series

LAHORE: Chief Selector and Head Coach Misbah ul Haq announced the One Day Internationals Pakistan squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, on Saturday.

Pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hassan Ali have been dropped from the team owing to dengue fever and back spasm, respectively. Shoaib Malik has already announced his retirement from the team while Mohammad Hafeez has been dropped from the side.

Opener Abid Ali, middle-order batsman Iftikhar Ahmed, pacer Usman Shinwari, all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan have made a comeback in the ODI side.

The team will be led by skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed and his deputy for the series will be Babar Azam.

Head Coach and Chief Selector Misbah ul Haq said that this was the ‘best possible ODI team’ that he could come up with.
“After thorough discussions with the members of the selection committee and meticulous planning, I feel we have put together the best possible squad,” said Misbah. “These are the only 50-over matches we have this season and we want to make their optimum use. Over the course of my cricketing career, I have realised there are no easy games and there are no easy opponents in cricket,” he said.

Misbah said that despite strong showings, Abid Ali, Mohammad Rizwan and Usman Shinwari were unable to make it to the World Cup squad. He said that this was the time for them to show dedication, put in strong performances and cement their place in the ODI squad.

ODI squad

Sarfaraz Ahmed (captain), Babar Azam (vice-captain), Abid Ali, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Hasnain, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Imamul Haq, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan Shinwari and Wahab Riaz.