Pakistan left out experienced allrounder Mohammad Hafeez and mis-firing opener Kamran Akmal from the 16-man squad for the three-match Twenty20 series against a World XI next month. Also out from that squad are Sohail Tanveer and Wahab Riaz. The series, to be played in Lahore and given international status by the International Cricket Council, is seen as an attempt to revive international cricket in Pakistan.
Pakistan have not hosted international cricket - barring a short limited over series against Zimbabwe in 2015 - since terrorists' attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March 2009. The World XI will be led by South African skipper Faf du Plessis and will have 13 other players from seven Test playing countries.
The three-match series will start from September 12 with the remaining two matches scheduled to take place on September 13 and September 15. Sarfraz Ahmed will lead the Pakistan side which also sees the recall of paceman Sohail Khan, allrounder Aamer Yamin, and Umar Amin.
Hafeez and Kamran were part of Pakistan's squad for the tour of the West Indies in March this year but were unable to keep their spot due to lack of performances. Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq believed the series will give youngsters a chance to mature.
"The squad is a combination of the fine blend of youth and senior players. It would be good for the young players to get a chance to play on the home ground and perform in front of the local public", said Inzamam.
Pakistan squad: Sarfraz Ahmad (capt), Fakhar Zaman, Ahmed Shehzad, Baber Azam, Shoaib Malik, Umar Amin, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Aamer Yamin, Mohammad Amir, Ruman Raees, Usman Shinwari, Sohail Khan.
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