Pakistan opener Azhar Ali and middle-order batsman Mohammad Hafeez have both passed their fitness tests and are set to represent the national side in the upcoming New Zealand tour.

They are also scheduled to play in the SNGPL side in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (QAT) five-day final scheduled to be played in Karachi starting Thursday.

Azhar, who was an integral part of his team's 2017 Champions Trophy triumph, had picked up a knee injury during a series against Sri Lanka.

But the 32-year-old, having fully recovered from the knock, recently requested a fitness test so he could play in the QAT final and also be reincorporated into the national fold ahead of the upcoming New Zealand tour.

Hafeez, meanwhile, took a break following the Sri Lanka home series and spent time in England to rectify his faulty bowling action which had landed him a fresh one-year ban bowling ban from the International Cricket Council in November.

The duo has, however, proven their fitness, following which they were given the green signal to join their departmental side, which will take on Wapda in the five-day final in Karachi.

If all goes according to plan, Azhar should make the One Day International squad for the tour down under, whereas Hafeez is expected to be included in the Twenty20 International side, as well as the ODI squad.

Opinion

Editorial

Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...
Digital growth
Updated 25 Apr, 2024

Digital growth

Democratising digital development will catalyse a rapid, if not immediate, improvement in human development indicators for the underserved segments of the Pakistani citizenry.
Nikah rights
25 Apr, 2024

Nikah rights

THE Supreme Court recently delivered a judgement championing the rights of women within a marriage. The ruling...
Campus crackdowns
25 Apr, 2024

Campus crackdowns

WHILE most Western governments have either been gladly facilitating Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, or meekly...