Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Friday announced the 15-member squad for the five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in the UAE starting from October 13. With only one change, the national selection committee opted for the same squad which won the Champions Trophy this year. Opener Azhar Ali, who is facing knee problem has been given a break, while 21-year-old Imamul Haq has been added to the squad.
The young left-handed batsman Imam-ul-Haq, who is Chief Selector Inzamam ul Haq's nephew, has made it to the squad. Imam-ul-Haq has been selected in the squad because of "his performance in the domestic circuit and to give a chance to a youngster in the home conditions." Imam, a left-handed batsman, averages 37.10 in 31 first-class matches courtesy four centuries and nine half-tons. Critics of the game raise questions over the selection of Imam-ul Haq ignoring Fawad Alam.
The National Selection Committee headed by Inzamam ul Haq after consultation with head coach Mickey Arthur and Captain Sarfraz Ahmed, has announced the 15-member ODI squad for the five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka commencing from October 13, 2017 to October 23, 2017. The first ODI will be played on October 13 at Dubai while 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th ODIs will be played on October 16, 18, 20 and 23 at Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Sharjah, respectively.
The Champions Trophy team has been retained except Azhar Ali, who has been rested for the ODI series to gain full fitness, said Inzamam ul Haq, chief selector. Imam ul Haq has been selected in the squad keeping his performance in the domestic cricket and to give a chance to a youngster in the home conditions.
Squad: Ahmed Shehzad, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (C)(Wk), Imad Wasim, Shahdab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Mohammed Amir, Ruman Raees, Junaid Khan, Haris Sohail and Imam-ul-Haq.