Misbah announces squad for Sri Lanka ODI series

Pakistan head coach-cum-chief selector Misbahul Haq has named a 16-member squad for the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka, Cricket Pakistan reported.

According to the details, Abid Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Usman Shinwari, Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Rizwan have made a comeback in the ODI side, while fast-bowlers Hasan Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been left out of the team due to back spasm and dengue fever, respectively.

All-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has been dropped from the squad, while Shoaib Malik has already announced retirement from the 50-over format.

The squad for the T20 matches to be held in Lahore will be announced later. Until then, other players will continue training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

“After thorough discussions with the members of the selection committee and meticulous planning, I feel we have put together the best possible squad,” Misbah said Saturday and added how his experience told him that “there are no easy games or opponents”.

Following are the players included in the ODI squad:

Sarfaraz Ahmed (captain), Babar Azam (vice-captain), Abid Ali, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Hasnain, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Imamul Haq, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan Shinwari and Wahab Riaz.