Daily Times

LAHORE: Pakistan cricket selectors, headed by former Test skipper Inzamamul Haq, Tuesday dropped Kamran Akmal but recalled Azhar Ali and Umar Akmal to a 15-man squad named for the ICC Champions Trophy to be held in England in June this year. 35-year-old Kamran was part of the Pakistan squad that won a three-match one-day series 2-1 in the West Indies earlier this month but managed scores of 47, 21 and nought. Mohammad Hafeez and Ahmad Shahzad have been able to retain their berths in the national outfit. Right-handed batsman Azhar was dropped from the team for the three-match ODI series against West Indies, but has now taken place of Kamran who was the leading run-scorer and declared man-of-the-tournament at the Pakistan Super League II. Kamran’s failure to convert that form into international runs has seen him pay the penalty.

Inzamam said the squad members were selected keeping in mind English conditions. “The team have been selected keeping in mind the conditions and the recent performances of some players in domestic and international tours,” chief selector Inzamam maintained. “Former skipper Azhar has been selected based on his good track record in English conditions, whereas Umar has been included due to his improved fitness and performance in the on-going Pakistan Cup,” added Inzamam.

The Champions Trophy 2017 sees the top eight-ranked ODI sides on go head-to-head in a short and sharp, nation versus nation tournament from June 1-18 at three iconic cricket venues in England and Wales. The Oval will stage the opening match of the tournament on June 1 as well as the final on June 18. Cardiff Wales Stadium will host four matches, including the first semi-final on June 14, while Edgbaston will host four matches, including the India vs Pakistan and Australia vs England matches as well as the second semi-final. The ICC Champions Trophy is a tournament Pakistan have never won. There are in a tough group alongside India, South Africa and Sri Lanka.

Fahim Ashraf, 23 is the only uncapped player in the 15-man squad. He was part of the ODI squad for the three-match series against the West Indies, but did not make the final XI. Fakhar Zaman is also yet to make his ODI debut, although he did play three of the four T20s against West Indies earlier this month. “Young Shadab Khan and Fahim Ashraf are retained in the side to give the team variety in the shape of spin and fast bowling all-rounders respectively.” Inzamam said the selectors were hopeful that the chosen squad would perform well at the upcoming event. Sarfraz Ahmed will lead the squad after replacing Azhar as captain for the West Indies tour. Pakistan will play arch-rivals and defending champions India in their first Group B match at Birmingham on June 4 followed by matches against South Africa (June 7 in Birmingham) and Sri Lanka (June 12 in Cardiff). Group A comprises of hosts England, Australia, New Zealand and Bangladesh. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals.

Pakistan squad:

Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Azhar Ali, Ahmad Shahzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Fakhar Zaman, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Fahim Ashraf, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir, Junaid Khan and Shadab Khan.