KARACHI: Pakistan on Tuesday announced its squad for One-Day International (ODI) contests against Ireland and England during the ongoing tour of the British Isles.

Right-arm fast-bowler Umar Gul makes a comeback after a hiatus of two years, with selectors preferring him over Mohammad Irfan on the basis of better fitness and fielding skills.

Gul last featured in an ODI during Pakistan's tour of Bangladesh in 2015.

Left-handed batsman Sami Aslam, who impressed with his profound technique during the third Test at Edgbaton against England, has also been named in the squad.

Read: Is Sami Aslam the solution to Pakistan’s opening woes?

Sharjeel Khan also returns to the national side after two years on the back of a staggering average of 63 runs during the recent List-A contests. The bulky left-handed opener scored 90 and 125 against Sri Lanka 'A' and England Lions, respectively.

Announcing the squad, Pakistan chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq said:

"While picking the squad, the team management and skipper were consulted and all concerned gave their consent in this regard. The team has been selected keeping in mind the conditions and the recent performances of some players in domestic and A Team tours.

"The team is a fine blend of experience and youth and the selectors believe that team will do well."

Pakistan will take on Ireland in two ODIs on August 18 and 20 which will be followed by a five-match series against England.

The 15-member squad for the 50-overs contests against Ireland and England later this month is as follows:

Openers: Azhar Ali (c), Sharjeel Khan, Sami Aslam

Middle Order: Mohammad Hafeez, Baber Azam, Shoaib Malik

Wicket Keeper: Sarfraz Ahmad and Mohammad Rizwan

Fast Bowlers: Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Hasan Ali, Umer Gul

Spinners: Immad Wasim, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Nawaz

Opinion

Editorial

Hasty transition
Updated 05 May, 2024

Hasty transition

Ostensibly, the aim is to exert greater control over social media and to gain more power to crack down on activists, dissidents and journalists.
One small step…
05 May, 2024

One small step…

THERE is some good news for the nation from the heavens above. On Friday, Pakistan managed to dispatch a lunar...
Not out of the woods
05 May, 2024

Not out of the woods

PAKISTAN’S economic vitals might be showing some signs of improvement, but the country is not yet out of danger....
Rigging claims
Updated 04 May, 2024

Rigging claims

The PTI’s allegations are not new; most elections in Pakistan have been controversial, and it is almost a given that results will be challenged by the losing side.
Gaza’s wasteland
04 May, 2024

Gaza’s wasteland

SINCE the start of hostilities on Oct 7, Israel has put in ceaseless efforts to depopulate Gaza, and make the Strip...
Housing scams
04 May, 2024

Housing scams

THE story of illegal housing schemes in Punjab is the story of greed, corruption and plunder. Major players in these...