LAHORE: Pakistan almost retained the same ICC Champions Trophy winning squad, with the sole exception of Azhar Ali who made way for upcoming left-handed batsman Imam-ul-Haq, for the five-match One-day International series against Sri Lanka being held from Oct 13-23 in the UAE.

Though Azhar performed brilliantly in the ICC Champions Trophy and is part of the team currently playing the two-Test series against Sri Lanka in the UAE, he has been omitted on fitness grounds according to chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq whose nephew Imam has been drafted into the squad.

Azhar was the second highest run-getter for Pakistan in the ICC event last June with an aggregate of 228 at an impressive average of 45.60. Only Fakhar Zaman was ahead of him, topping the list topped with 252 runs.

Azhar also cracked three fifties to help Pakistan lift the Champions Trophy for the first ever time.

Young Imam-ul-Haq named in 15-member squad

“The entire Champions Trophy team has been retained except Azhar Ali who has been rested for the ODI series in order to gain full fitness.” Inzamam said in a press statement. “Imam has been selected in the squad keeping in view his performance in domestic cricket and with an aim to groom a youngster in the home conditions.”

Imam, who has represented Pakistan at the U-19 level, has so far had played 31 first-class matches scoring 1744 runs with a double-century at an average of 37.10. In List A matches, he has played 24 matches scoring 866 runs at 36.08. In the T20 format, Imam has totalled 566 runs at an average of 40.42.

The ODI squad features two openers in Ahmed Shehzad and dashing Fakhar Zaman. Though Shehzad had also failed in the ICC Champions Trophy, he put up a much improved showing in the T20 series against the World XI in Lahore to maintain his place in the team.

Muhammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Haris Sohail are also in the squad to strengthen the middle-order, besides young Imam. Captain Sarfraz Ahmad as wicketkeeper/batsman will lead the squad.

The fast bowling department will be spearheaded by Mohammad Aamir supported by Junaid Khan, Hasan Ali and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, besides Rumman Raees. Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim are the two spinners in the squad.

Squad:

Ahmed Shehzad, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, Rumman Raees, Junaid Khan, Haris Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq.

Published in Dawn, October 7th, 2017