All-rounder Imad Wasim has been dropped while former skipper Azhar Ali staged a comeback, as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 15-member squad for the five-match series against New Zealand. Batsman Ahmed Shehzad, who failed to impress against Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates last month also dropped.
Junaid Khan was also not included in Pakistan's squad and was replaced by Amir Yamin in the team. "Imad Wasim was again feeling discomfort in his previously injured knee which ruled him out from the ODI Squad. Immad has been told to work on his fitness in NCA," said chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq.
Inzamam said that the team has been selected keeping in mind the conditions and the recent performances of some players in the domestic tournament. "Azhar Ali makes a comeback in the ODI squad after being rested in the ODI series against Sri Lanka. He is making a comeback after gaining full fitness," he added.
"Junaid Khan has been ruled out of the ODI squad due to a fracture in his right foot and doctors have advised him six-week rest. Aamir Yamin comes in to replace the left arm pacer in the squad," Inzamam said.
The National Selection Committee headed by Inzamam ul Haq after consultation with captain Sarfraz Ahmed and head coach Mickey Arthur, has announced the 15-member ODI squad for the five-match ODI series against New Zealand. The T-20 squad will be announced later.
The five-match ODI series will take place from January 6, 2018 to January 19, 2018, whereas the T20I series will commence from January 22 and will conclude on January 28, 2018. Pakistan will make a separate T20 squad announcement.
The PCB has also announced a 9-member team management for the tour. Aun Zaidi has been promoted as the media manager while the physiotherapist for the team will be hired from New Zealand.
ODI Squad: Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Imam Ul Haq, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Muhammad Hafeez, Haris Sohail, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Aamir Yamin and Rumman Raees.
Team Management: Talat Ali Malik (Manager), Mickey Arthur (Head Coach), Steve Rixon (Fielding Coach), Grant Luden (Fitness Coach), Azhar Mahmood (Bowling Coach), Grant Flower (Batting Coach), Talha Ejaz Butt (Team Analyst), Aun Zaidi (Media Manager) and Col. Azam Khan as Security Manager.