18 players announced for Pakistan training camp for Sri Lanka Test series

[Abdullah719]

18 Players announced for the Training camp for Sri Lanka Test series

Lahore- September 16, 2017: The National Selection Committee headed by Inzamam ul Haq has selected 18 players to feature in the training camp at Gaddafi stadium from September 19, 2017 for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. The players will assemble at NCA, Lahore on September 18, 2017 evening and the camp will conclude on September 23, 2017. The Test team will be announced later.

18 players for the camp:

1. Azhar Ali

2. Shan Masood

3. Ahmed Shehzad

4. Sami Aslam

5. Babar Azam

6. Asad Shafiq

7. Haris Sohail

8. Usman Salahuddin

9. Sarfraz Ahmed (Captain)

10. Mohammad Rizwan

11. Yasir Shah

12. Mohammad Asghar

13. Bilal Asif

14. Mir Hamza

15. Mohammad Amir

16. Hasan Ali

17. Mohammad Abbas

18. Wahab Riaz

 

[Hiraeth]

How did Bilal Asif get in there and Shan Masood still holding on to a spot?

Overall, it's a decent squad, but the middle order looks susceptible to collapses.

 

[Mir jibran]

so happy to see some new faces like usman harris and hazma but why is bilal their ?

 

[another drop catch]

nice 2 see they are persisting with babar ,asghar and usman salahuddin

 

[another drop catch]

is harris sohail fully fit ? ? ?

 

[mmkextreme_1]

Good overall squad, but why are Masood and Bilal there? What have they done to deserve a spot?

Happy to see Aslam, Asghar, and Azam there. Haris Sohail definitely deserves to be in the middle order now.

Will be our first series without Misbah and Younis, let's hope that the youngsters step up to the task.

 

[shady]

Great to see Haris and Sami in the squad. Pretty good squad Bilal Asif aside. Also how's Mir Hamza, haven't heard too much about him.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Masood and Bilal Asif... good lord. How can Masood keep getting selecting while being mediocre time and time again. Even his FC stats are mediocre.

As for Bilal Asif, what an incomprehensible selection. If there is any format for him to be selected, it's T20 where he has good stats batting and bowling wise. His FC and List A numbers are terrible and yet those are the formats he has played and been selected in, it's mind-boggling.

Happy to see Haris, Asghar and Mir Hamza selected. Fawad Alam, the one player that deserves to be selected over anyone else is ignored yet again.

 

[j_kazmi]

I can't believe fawad alam still doesn't get a place. I thought with misbah and yk gone he would get a spot for sure.

 

[coy0607]

like this squad a lot- ideally would have liked to see the squad with Wahab / Bilal Asif / Shan Masood but a good squad nonethless

very very happy to see Hafeez isn't in there

middle order will need a lot of patience, going to be long road to get this right. Azam will have to anchor this

 

[Abdul]

Surprised that Wahab made the team.

 

[kingusama92]

Not bad.

Azhar Ali
Sami Aslam
Babar Azam
Usman Salahuddin
Haris Sohail
Asad Shafiq
Sarfraz Ahmed (WK) (C)
Mohammad Amir
Hasan Ali
Yasir Shah
Mohammad Abbas

They might opt to play with two spinners in the UAE.

Lots of young faces but I feel they've chosen the right ones. Salahuddin and Sohail were smart selections.

 

[yasir]

Now get Sami and Harris into playing 11 as well, then we are good...Overall not too many bad choices, Masood is still a ******, bowlers are more straight forward...Amir, Abbas,Hasan, Yasir are first choice, if we need two spinner, then Add Asghar for Abbas/Hasan...

 

[Markhor]

Some weird selections like Mir Hamza and Shan Masood. Not sure how Wahab maintains a place.

Bilal Asif I guess is there to provide an off-spinning option.

Other than that its fine, appears that Haris Sohail and Usman Salahuddin will be groomed as Younis and Misbah replacements in middle order.

Great that Sami Aslam is back.

 

[Gubol123]

Masood and Bilal Asif... good lord. How can Masood keep getting selecting while being mediocre time and time again. Even his FC stats are mediocre.

As for Bilal Asif, what an incomprehensible selection. If there is any format for him to be selected, it's T20 where he has good stats batting and bowling wise. His FC and List A numbers are terrible and yet those are the formats he has played and been selected in, it's mind-boggling.

Happy to see Haris, Asghar and Mir Hamza selected. Fawad Alam, the one player that deserves to be selected over anyone else is ignored yet again.

Is Bilal there as an off spinning all rounder? his batting alone looks below average..

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Bilal Asif,Shan Masood and Wahab Riaz are the bad selections.

Haris,Usman and Sami Aslam are the good ones.

 

[kingusama92]

Surprised that Wahab made the team.

Me too.

BUT I did a bit of digging. Riaz had a decent performance in their last UAE series vs WI.

Against WI (2016)

TEST 1: 2/65 1/47

TEST 2: 5/88 2/46

Series AVG: 24.60

 

[Poutine]

PCB are desperate for an off spinner so that's why they opted for Bilal Asif, don't think there were any other options.

 

[Hamza_]

Bilal Asif? Seriously?

 

[Friend786]

Still no Fawad Alam? Do selectors have some personal vendetta against him can't be his performance surely. God help us if Bilal Asif is the best off-spinner in the whole country, i would take Hafeez over him at any given day.

 

[mmkextreme_1]

Surprised that Wahab made the team.

Wahab deserves to make the test team for UAE tours. Need his pace and reverse swing abilities.

Also surprised that Fawad Alam wasn't picked. Poor guy. Don't know what the poor guy has to do to get into the team.

I really hope Asad Shafiq now steps up to the plate, no longer can he hide behind the 2 senior batsmen. Now he is the senior and needs to show the initiative. Has been poor for the past couple of series. The overall average has dropped from 43 with the bat to 39, with the experience he has should be getting better, like Azhar Ali has shown.

 

[kingusama92]

Still no Fawad Alam? Do selectors have some personal vendetta against him can't be his performance surely. God help us if Bilal Asif is the best off-spinner in the whole country, i would take Hafeez over him at any given day.

Fawad's performance dipped last season.

Usman topped the charts.

I suppose a case could be made over Haris Sohail. But if he's fit, Haris Sohail is a far better batsman than Fawad Alam technique wise (IMO).

 

[Leo23]

Still no Fawad Alam? Do selectors have some personal vendetta against him can't be his performance surely. God help us if Bilal Asif is the best off-spinner in the whole country, i would take Hafeez over him at any given day.

fawad is history. he will not play for pakistan again.

yes he was treated very unfairly but now he is in decline and quite old as well

 

[Boi]

Shehzad dropped. Nice.

Other than Shan this is a good squad. Gives the management plenty of options in the spinning and pace department. Off spin stocks are pretty low so I guess they're backing Bilal which I don't mind.
I would've liked an all rounder like Hussain Talat in there but I guess we can get away with 4 bowlers if two are spinners.

 

[Ahson8]

How is Bilal Asif there lool ?

 

[MMHS]

Finally, a squad that I probably'll give 9.5+.

Shaan probably is picked as back up & it was between him, Butt & Sami - they went for the younger 2. Bilal is probably best offie in PAK with a clean action. Neither of these 2 are likely to start. Rest picks themselves.

 

[Leo23]

Finally, a squad that I probably'll give 9.5+.

Shaan probably is picked as back up & it was between him, Butt & Sami - they went for the younger 2. Bilal is probably best offie in PAK with a clean action. Neither of these 2 are likely to start. Rest picks themselves.

bilal asif was suspended once for his action and why not shehzad as backup?

 

[cricketerB94]

Good news is that Salman Butt is not there as predicted by many posters here.

 

[MMHS]

It's Sep/Oct, so I guess the wicket should be rubbish enough to start with one spinner for one end (SRL might do from both end). My XI for the Abu Dhabi Test is

Sami, Azhar
Babar, Haris, Sarfraz, Asad,
Bilal, Hasan, Wahab
Yasir, Asghar

For the D/N Test, may be Amir should replace Bilal. Don't think he is going to do much on typical Abu Dhabi wicket.

It's a contest between PAK bowlers & dead slow UAE wickets, so 5 bowlers is a must to ensure 20 wickets in 450 overs; otherwise SRL might get away with 1-0 or even 0-0.

 

[Markhor]

bilal asif was suspended once for his action and why not shehzad as backup?

It was a false alarm, he was cleared after being reported.

 

[MMHS]

bilal asif was suspended once for his action and why not shehzad as backup?

Since they (Arthur) have picked him, I assume his action is clean. If not, then the problem is somewhere else. For a Test squad against a side having half of their lineup with lefties? An offie is must.

 

[Rayyman]

I'll go with this:

Azhar Ali
Sami Aslam
Babar Azam
Asad Shafiq
Usman Salahuddin
Haris Sohail
Sarfraz Ahmed*+
Yasir Shah
Mohammad Amir
Mohammad Abbas
Mohammad Asghar

 

[bujhee kom]

[MENTION=21215]srh[/MENTION] will be disappointed. He wanted Fawad back as captain.

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?259391-Memo-to-Inzamam-ul-Haq-and-the-PCB-Select-Fawad-Alam-in-the-Test-team-as-captain

 

[Plumb]

great to see Haris and Sami. Wahab and Shan inclusion doesn't make sense

 

[shady]

My XI for the first Test:

Azhar Ali
Sami Aslam
Babar Azam
Asad Shafiq
Haris Sohail
Usman Sallahuddin
Sarfaraz Ahmad
Mohammad Amir
Yasir Shah
Hasan Ali
Mohammad Abbas/Asghar - Toss up between these two depends on the wicket probably.

 

[Gotham Cronie]

Azhar Ali
Sami Aslam
Shan Masood

Babar Azam
Asad Shafiq
Usman Salahuddin
Haris Sohail

Sarfraz Ahmed (wk)

Yasir Shah
Mohammad Asghar
Bilal Asif

Mohammad Amir
Hasan Ali
Mohammad Abbas
Wahab Riaz
Mir Hamza

 

[CricketingMinds]

Who are Bilal Asif and Mir Hamza

Shaan Masood - he is getting another chance because he is the fittest guy in the team. He works extremely hard on his fitness (Mickey Arthur said he is the fittest guy in PCT) - you guys should also check out his instagram page where he posts his workout videos.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Where is Shehzad? Unfair treatment. How do you throw away a batting talent like him? Disappointing from Mickey.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Mickey and Inzi seem obsessed with trundlers. Dude, get some real pacers in. This is pathetic.

 

[Mueez]

Fawad's performance dipped last season.

Usman topped the charts.

I suppose a case could be made over Haris Sohail. But if he's fit, Haris Sohail is a far better batsman than Fawad Alam technique wise (IMO).

How can you expect from a person to perform tremendously for every season and which he knows he wont get the reward.

 

[troodon]

When will the series start?

 

[mak36]

bilal asif was suspended once for his action and why not shehzad as backup?

His action has never been found to be illegal and it was actually cleared by ICC's testing.

 

[kingusama92]

How can you expect from a person to perform tremendously for every season and which he knows he wont get the reward. ��

Oh absolutely.

I agree he's been treated poorly and they wasted his prime.

It's a matter of choice. I guess they felt Haris Sohail was worth the risk since both have question marks.

 

[Square Drive]

Not much to complain about, besides Shan. I would've actually had Shehzad as the backup opener, even before today's knock. He has the game for Tests and if not Imam, I'd have him there.

Bilal replaces Shadab in the squad - another move I don't really like. Shadab in a 5-man attack would've been interesting.

Good to see the likes of Haris, Usman (persisted with), Asghar, Abbas (persisted with), and Mir Hamza all there. Also great to see Sami Aslam back.

Exciting to see so many young faces. Majority of this squad is something most of us (or atleast myself) used to dream of a few years ago, and now it is finally a reality.

Looking forward to this series.

 

[DRsohail]

Finally, a squad that I probably'll give 9.5+.

Shaan probably is picked as back up & it was between him, Butt & Sami - they went for the younger 2. Bilal is probably best offie in PAK with a clean action. Neither of these 2 are likely to start. Rest picks themselves.

was searching for ur comment i will give it 10 out of 10 but y did u 9.5???

 

[Jabo]

Likely XI will be

Shan
Sami
Azhar
Babar
Shafiq
Sohail
Sarfraz
Riaz
Amir
Shah
H Ali

Don't agree with Shan being in the squad
Even Hafeez would be better considering it's against SL

 

[Abdul]

Apparently Mickey and Inzi are the only ones taking the decisions now. However, when Misbah was the captain, he was the only one behind all of the selections.

 

[Junaids]

Still no Fawad Alam? Do selectors have some personal vendetta against him can't be his performance surely. God help us if Bilal Asif is the best off-spinner in the whole country, i would take Hafeez over him at any given day.

It's his performance. Only one century in each of his last two First Class seasons - a quarter of as many as Salman Butt.

Nice to see Shan Masood rewarded for scoring half as many runs as Salman Butt. How come they didn't pick Arsal Sheikh to keep him company?

 

[the Great Khan]

Finally the saviour the greatest player ever haris "the beast" sohail gets into the test squad. Let's hope he lasts more than a session..

I'm seriously worried about this squad. Other than azhar and perhaps sarfi and maybe shafiq, the rest look brittle.

 

[ads101]

1. Azhar
2. Sami Aslam
3. Babar
4. Haris Sohail
5. Asad Shafiq
6. Usman Salluhuddin
7. Sarfraz
8. Yasir
9. Amir
10. Hasan Ali
11. Ashgar

The squad could be improved upon perhaps. Fakhar probably earned his test place, but I get letting him focus on LOI for now given he's our only proven opener there and they're probably scared playing him in tests will divide his attention affecting his LOI form. Bilal I'm not sure about but I guess adds variety I don't know many good right arm offspinner bowlers in Pakistan.

Plus the team that you could play from this squad is probably the strongest we could offer right now.

I hope Asad bats up the order, he can't hide at 6 all his life, he's a senior batsman now. And we've already got Sarfraz to provide experience lower order at 7. Potentially both Haris and Usman could make their test debuts at the same time and it's better to let them do that down the order. Fine if Asad can't bat at 3, let Babar do it, but should be 4 or 5 at least.

I thought about Asad batting 4 but I've changed my mind. Asad batting at five is probably better for the team, gives alternate experience (i.e. inexperienced players fitted between experienced players in the line up, so more likely inexperienced players will come in with an experienced batsman other side). And also means are top order goes: 1. right 2. Left 3. Right 4. Left 5. Right so less likely to let the bowlers settle (something which we and other teams employed in ODIs especially lately, noticeably the CT. Won't work as effectively as in LOI given there's limited overs and run rate is more of an issue, but no harm worth trying it doesn't weaken our team and probably reduces the chances of a bowler running through the line up.

 

[ads101]

I'm fine with Shadab not being in the squad. He wasn't test ready, and playing some first class games to learn the art better will benefit. It's not like we're desperate to rush him into tests, we've got a proven spinner in Yasir, as well as a second spinner/backup in Ashgar who's done well in first class cricket. International cricket really isn't the place to learn. Let domestic do it's function.

 

[Eagle_Eye]

Looks a terribly weak team. Let's hope they all find their feet quick time.

 

[carbon11]

Junaid Khan ?

No where to be seen

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

So happy to see Haris back.
Hope him and Usman both are selected in the playing X1. 5 years too late but koi nai atleast they are here.

 

[troodon]

Looks a terribly weak team. Let's hope they all find their feet quick time.

Lanka is even more terrible. They are probably at their lowest point in the last 3 decades.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

PCB getting things right here.

If Shan Masood gets a game, he'll have to justify his spot. Looking forward to his performance.

Wahab Riaz must get wickets as well or dropped after 1 game.

 

[Railu Katta]

Shehzad dropped. Nice.

Other than Shan this is a good squad. Gives the management plenty of options in the spinning and pace department. Off spin stocks are pretty low so I guess they're backing Bilal which I don't mind.
I would've liked an all rounder like Hussain Talat in there but I guess we can get away with 4 bowlers if two are spinners.

Shehzad will be there in ODI and T20s. Just wait and watch

 

[Kroll]

Finally the saviour the greatest player ever haris "the beast" sohail gets into the test squad. Let's hope he lasts more than a session..

I'm seriously worried about this squad. Other than azhar and perhaps sarfi and maybe shafiq, the rest look brittle.

Ideal opportunity for Babar to come to the fore and take ownership.

 

[Surf]

They could''ve given chances to Saud Shakil and Ghulam Mudasar or even Usama Mir but no just to their ****** like Bilal Asif, Masood, and TTF Wahab. Atleast play the most promising players on easier tours aka practice tours.

Thank You PCB for screwing over Pak cricket again.

 

[angeldsoul]

Fawad o to the press now and start making your case in the public court!!!

 

[Syed1]

Professional and astute Mickey Arthur okaying the selection of people like Shan Masood and Bilal Asif who are only there because of nepotism.


#bestcoachever

 

[Abdullah719]

Professional and astute Mickey Arthur okaying the selection of people like Shan Masood and Bilal Asif who are only there because of nepotism.


#bestcoachever

Bilal Asif? He is only there because he is literally the only selectable offie, unless....

SL have a ton of lefties so an off-break bowler is a must.

As for Shan, the only reason I'm happy to see him there is because it means Butt is left out.

 

[Bewal Express]

PCB are desperate for an off spinner so that's why they opted for Bilal Asif, don't think there were any other options.

How much more injustice does Arsal Sheikh have to face.

 

[Bewal Express]

The squad looks very weak. The middle order without the 2 warhorses looks barely FC never mind test level. The bowling is slightly stronger but hardly earth shattering.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Unlike others I am really looking forward to see Haris , Babar and Usman combo in the middle order. Great for our future. These guys will play a key role in our famous overseas victories.

 

[coy0607]

Bilal Asif has a pathetic domestic record - here's hoping he doesn't cost the much more deserving Asghar his spot

also, what are their 5 fast bowlers? could've used an extra middle order batsmen

 

[CricFan2012]

Mickey and Inzi seem obsessed with trundlers. Dude, get some real pacers in. This is pathetic.

Pace isn't everything, look at wahab.

 

[Abdullah719]

Bilal Asif has a pathetic domestic record - here's hoping he doesn't cost the much more deserving Asghar his spot

also, what are their 5 fast bowlers? could've used an extra middle order batsmen

Probably because of Amir and Hasan have recently been carrying niggles. Better safe than sorry.

 

[Kroll]

Pace isn't everything, look at wahab.

But but but...pace is pace yaar.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Given the circumstances i think Bilal asif is a decent selection

 

[Abdullah719]

Given the circumstances i think Bilal asif is a decent selection

Honestly it looks like a bit of a wildcard pick, but understandable given the situation.

He must have done decently at the training camp (if he was there ) because he has no performances to speak of in QeA in recent times.

 

[Eagle_Eye]

Lanka is even more terrible. They are probably at their lowest point in the last 3 decades.

Good. This Pakistan team will need some time to settle down. It will be awful to watch though everyone will bat at snails place until Sarfraz comes in.

 

[Suleiman]

I'm going to lay the truth here. We stand a good chance to lose at least 1 test in this series. Playing with 1 opener insinuates that, but more than that this a new and inexperienced team. Please don't mouth off the players who are deservedly playing even if they lose. Give them 2 or 3 full series and the test rankings in a year or so will have the rightful king on the throne with the mace once again and not CersBCCI Lannister.

 

[coy0607]

im also a little surprised Fakhar Zaman didn't find a place in the team

 

[kingusama92]

I'm going to lay the truth here. We stand a good chance to lose at least 1 test in this series. Playing with 1 opener insinuates that, but more than that this a new and inexperienced team. Please don't mouth off the players who are deservedly playing even if they lose. Give them 2 or 3 full series and the test rankings in a year or so will have the rightful king on the throne with the mace once again and not CersBCCI Lannister.

Their flaws might get covered cause SL is an awful team.

 

[mak36]

For those interested, there are four changes from the squad that featured in Pakistan’s most recent test series (against Windies). Two of these changes were forced (due to retirement).

Out:
Misbah Ul Haq
Younis Khan
Shadab Khan
Ahmed Shehzad

In:

Sami Aslam
Haris Sohail
Mir Hamza
Bilal Asif

 

[mak36]

Bilal Asif? He is only there because he is literally the only selectable offie, unless....

SL have a ton of lefties so an off-break bowler is a must.

As for Shan, the only reason I'm happy to see him there is because it means Butt is left out.

You touch on an important point that most posters have overlooked re. the non-selection of Hafeez. I am happy to see Hafeez is not part of the squad as Mickey previously mentioned the possibility of his return. Good forward thinking from the selectors/Mickey.

But I do think you are guilty of a slight exaggeration. I agree with the need for an offie, but I don't agree Bilal Asif is the "only selectable offie." Take Agha Salman for example, he is (i) considerably younger (ii) has played more FC matches (iii) his batting and bowling averages are better and (iv) his S/R is also better. For the record I don't think Agha Salman is ready to play tests either, but my point is if Asif was selectable then why not Salman? From memory he too was part of the 10 week camp so I can only assume he didn't impress them. If that is the case then that's fair enough.

Agree re Shan/Butt.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Honestly it looks like a bit of a wildcard pick, but understandable given the situation.

He must have done decently at the training camp (if he was there ) because he has no performances to speak of in QeA in recent times.

Agreed
He is the only half decent off spinner who can swing the bat right now

I actually would not mind him in t20s the guy is a clean hitter

He has started his career quite late which is why I feel they are prepared to give him time

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

The only bad selection here is Mr Dad's Dream Good English Great Attitude Super Fit Shan Masood

 

[Abdullah719]

You touch on an important point that most posters have overlooked re. the non-selection of Hafeez. I am happy to see Hafeez is not part of the squad as Mickey previously mentioned the possibility of his return. Good forward thinking from the selectors/Mickey.

But I do think you are guilty of a slight exaggeration. I agree with the need for an offie, but I don't agree Bilal Asif is the "only selectable offie." Take Agha Salman for example, he is (i) considerably younger (ii) has played more FC matches (iii) his batting and bowling averages are better and (iv) his S/R is also better. For the record I don't think Agha Salman is ready to play tests either, but my point is if Asif was selectable then why not Salman? From memory he too was part of the 10 week camp so I can only assume he didn't impress them. If that is the case then that's fair enough.

Agree re Shan/Butt.

I'm not sure; if Agha Salman was at the camp then you're certainly right. He has done a lot more of note in FC cricket than Bilal who has only had one decent domestic season.

Another name that's been mentioned is Nasir Awais but he has been ignored for a while now. He's in Peshawar's squad for the QeA though so hopefully he impresses in the upcoming season.