Pakistan to name 16-men Test Squad, Announces Itinerary against New Zealand

Sep 22, 2017 at 6:14 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
Pakistan to name 16-men Test Squad, Announces Itinerary against New Zealand

Pakistan Cricket Board’s Chief Selector Inzamam-Ul-Haq is expected to announce a 16-men Test squad on September 23 (Saturday), for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.

On the other side, PCB named the itinerary for the New Zealand Women’s Team tour to the UAE, where Pakistan Women will play four Twenty20 internationals and three ODIs.

The fixtures of the Round One, Women Cricket Championship will be played at iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah.

The bilateral series will be played between October 31 and November 14. Photo Credit: PCB.

(Read Also: Pakistan Cricket Board Appeals For Stiffer Punishment For Sharjeel Khan)

The former Pakistan skipper Inzamam hinted that at least five bowlers might be inducted in the squad against the Islanders.

The Test series will kick start on September 28, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with first match scheduled to be held in at Dubai International Stadium (DIS) in Dubai.

The full-fledged bilateral series includes five One-day internationals and three Twenty20 internationals, as the third 20-over competition is slated on October 29 at Gaddafi Stadium further subjected to security clearance.

As Pakistan has adopted the UAE its second-home since gruesome attack on Sri Lankan team bus at Lahore’s busiest area Liberty Chowk in 2009, the hosts are facing a threat of fitness issues regarding senior campaigners like leg-spinner Yasir Shah and the 32-year-old top-order batsman Azhar Ali.

The Lahore-born right-handed batsman is averaging 46.86 in 60 Test matches after playing 114 innings. He has smashed 14 hundreds and 25 fifties since making his debut in July 2010 against Australia at the iconic Lord’s.

However, Azhar who nursed knee injury has shown a remarkable recovery, as it’s expected it will take some time to recuperate fully and his selection solely relies on the selection committee.

Inzamam while briefing the media revealed, the 31-year-old Swabi-born leg spinner has played a significant role for Pakistan while donning the white jersey.

“Yasir [Shah] is an important bowler, that’s why we are waiting for his fitness test,” Inzamam was quoted as saying by Geo.tv.

(Read Further: Younis Khan Praises PCB for World XI’s Successful Tour to Pakistan)

Earlier, Yasir failed to impress the camp at National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore where the management and coaches where with the players for the Test-preparation.

The prominent figure with the ball in Test fold for Pakistan, Yasir is scheduled to undergo a fitness test anytime soon.

Yasir, who represented Pakistan in 26 Tests, bagged 149 scalps at an average of 29.91, as his best figures in the innings read as seven for 76. He claimed 11 five-wicket haul and eight four-wicket haul.

Yasir made his international debut in September 2011 against Zimbabwe while donning national colours.

Here’s Sportzwiki’s expected 16-member squad for Pakistan: Azhar Ali, Sami Aslam, Shan Masood, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Sarfraz Ahmed, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Asghar, Mohammad Abbas, Bilal Asif, Mir Hamza, Usman Salahuddin, Wahab Riaz/Sohail Khan and Yasir Shah (subjected to fitness clearance).

Related Article
Misbah-ul-Haq Recalls A Funny Moment From A Test Against Sri Lanka And Opens Up On Miscalculating A Shot In 2007 T20I World Cup Final
Misbah-ul-Haq Recalls A Funny Moment From A Test Against Sri Lanka And Opens Up On Miscalculating A Shot In 2007 T20I World Cup Final

Jan 30, 2022, 5:45 PM


I Am Abid Ali And Please See Me As Abid Ali Only: Pakistan Cricketer On Comparing Him With Sachin Tendulakar
I Am Abid Ali And Please See Me As Abid Ali Only: Pakistan Cricketer On Comparing Him With Sachin Tendulakar

Dec 17, 2019, 10:07 AM


Umar Akmal Creates forgettable Record On Comeback To International Cricket
Umar Akmal Creates forgettable Record On Comeback To International Cricket

Oct 6, 2019, 10:46 AM


ICC To Review Security Arrangements In Pakistan Before Sending Its Officials For Sri Lanka Series: Report
ICC To Review Security Arrangements In Pakistan Before Sending Its Officials For Sri Lanka Series: Report

Sep 16, 2019, 2:37 PM


Pakistan Cricket Board Offers Sri Lanka To Play Two Tests In Pakistan: Report
Pakistan Cricket Board Offers Sri Lanka To Play Two Tests In Pakistan: Report

May 29, 2019, 12:02 PM


ICC U-19 World Cup 2018: Pakistan Seal Quarterfinal Spot With Thrilling Win Over Sri Lanka
ICC U-19 World Cup 2018: Pakistan Seal Quarterfinal Spot With Thrilling Win Over Sri Lanka

Jan 19, 2018, 12:44 PM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner