RAWALPINDI, Dec 5: The Pakistan cricket selectors on Friday recalled middle order batsman Younis Khan but ignored off spinner Saqlain Mushtaq for this month’s tour of New Zealand.

Chief selector Aamir Sohail said that Younis had been named on the 16-man squad keeping in view his excellent record in New Zealand and added that Pakistan’s middle order needed more experience.

In the last 13 Test innings, Younis has scored only 227 runs at an average of 17.46 and Aamir said that the team management had asked for his inclusion for the tour that runs from Dec 11 to Jan 21.

Of Saqlain, he said that the side couldn’t afford to have another specialist spinner with Danish Kaneria already in the team.

“On the seaming wickets in New Zealand, I don’t think Saqlain’s services would be required. He is no doubt a good player and if his form improves, he will be recalled in the near future”, he added.

Pakistan, who are to play two Tests and five one-day Internationals in New Zealand also omitted all-rounder Azhar Mahmood. But Aamir said that he would be brought in for the one-day series that follows the Test matches. “We will see during the Tests who will he replace”.

Aamir said the team was a best combination considering the conditions in New Zealand. It provides plenty of options for the team management to field a winning side.

Squad: Taufeeq Umar, Imran Farhat, Saleem Elahi, Yasir Hameed, Yousuf Youhana (vice captain), Inzamamul Haq (captain), Asim Kamal, Younis Khan, Moin Khan (wicketkeeper), Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Malik, Danish Kaneria, Shoaib Akhtar, Muhammad Sami, Shabbir Ahmed, Umar Gul.