26 players to attend PCB camp at Army School of Physical Training in Abbottabad (27-31 Aug)

[MenInG]

Pakistan Cricket Team retreat camp activity has been scheduled to take place at Army School of Physical Training (ASPT) from August 27 to 31, 2018.

Following players and officials will be travelling on August 27, 2018:

Players:
1. Fakhar Zaman
2. Imam Ul Haq
3. Babar Azam
4. Shoaib Malik
5. Sarfraz Ahmad
6. Asif Ali
7. Shadab Khan
8. Fahim Ashraf
9. Muhammad Amir
10. Hassan Ali
11. Usman Shinwari
12. Muhammad Nawaz
13. Imad Wasim
14. Haris Sohail
15. Muhammad Hafeez
16. Yasir Shah
17. Shaheen Shah Afridi
18. Junaid Khan
19. Shahibzada Farhan
20. Shan Masood
21. Usman Salahuddin
22. Asad Shafiq
23. Bilal Asif
24. Muhammad Asghar
25. Rahat Ali
26. Mir Hamza

Team Officials:
i.Mickey Arthur, Head Coach
ii.Grant Flower, Batting Coach
iii.Grant Luden, Trainer
iv.Azhar Mahmood, Bowling Coach
v.Cliffe Deacon, Physiotherapist

Talha Ijaz . Analyst

The training camp schedule for Asia Cup will be announced later.

 

[Sultan Baba]

Hammad Azam
Umar Amin
Should be there...........

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

surprised Talat isn't mentioned

 

[Salman4.]

Hopefully this is just not for the Asia Cup. Shah and Shafiq are not LOs material. And what's the obsession with Rahat Ali?

 

[Majid Khan]

It all looked promising until I got to number 15.

 

[Shafi]

So posiibility of Yasir, Rahat, Shafiq and Usman in our Asia Cup squad. Same old garbage recycle again and again. Why not bring back Younis, Misbah, Sami, Irfan and Afridi. They are better than those lot for sure.

 

[Kohli The King of Chase]

So posiibility of Yasir, Rahat, Shafiq and Usman in our Asia Cup squad. Same old garbage recycle again and again. Why not bring back Younis, Misbah, Sami, Irfan and Afridi. They are better than those lot for sure.

No, you didn't understand. After Asia cup Pakistan straight away start playing Aus test series. There is no space for holding camp for fitness and skills for test players, that's why these test specialists have been included. And if you look at these 26, all ODI and test players have been covered. Abbas and Azhar are already playing county so not much need of fitness camp as they're already match fit.

To be more precise, the probables for Asia cup are #1 to #19. #20 to #26 are members of test squad against Aus.

 

[Shafi]

No, you didn't understand. After Asia cup Pakistan straight away start playing Aus test series. There is no space for holding camp for fitness and skills for test players, that's why these test specialists have been included. And if you look at these 26, all ODI and test players have been covered. Abbas and Azhar are already playing county so not much need of fitness camp as they're already match fit.

To be more precise, the probables for Asia cup are #1 to #19. #20 to #26 are members of test squad against Aus.

Our squad should be:

Openers
Fakhar Zaman
Imam Ul Haq
Shahibzada Farhan

Middle Order
Babar Azam
Haris Sohail
Shoaib Malik
Asif Ali
Sarfraz Ahmad

Bowlers

Shadab Khan
Fahim Ashraf
Hassan Ali
Muhammad Amir
Usman Shinwari
Junaid Khan
Muhammad Ashghar

But unlikely there will be any change since players like Hafeez, Imad and Nawaz will be in the squad

 

[Salman4.]

No, you didn't understand. After Asia cup Pakistan straight away start playing Aus test series. There is no space for holding camp for fitness and skills for test players, that's why these test specialists have been included. And if you look at these 26, all ODI and test players have been covered. Abbas and Azhar are already playing county so not much need of fitness camp as they're already match fit.

To be more precise, the probables for Asia cup are #1 to #19. #20 to #26 are members of test squad against Aus.

So, basically, Saad Ali will be dropped without even being played a single game?

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Surprised Farhan is in the plans for Odis and Talat isn't ..

 

[mak36]

Surprised Farhan is in the plans for Odis and Talat isn't ..

I think Talat went to Hajj so he is probably not back yet.

Also, he struggled in the recent t20 series so think his ODI debut is on hold for now (even though it will probably end up being his best format). TBH, it's difficult to see him getting into the playing XI as it is pretty settled; only Shoaib's position is questionable and given the choice I would play Haris ahead of Talat atm.

 

[Ahson8]

No Zafar Gohar, sad.

 

[Kohli The King of Chase]

So, basically, Saad Ali will be dropped without even being played a single game?

May be just to accommodate an extra spinner. He's a brilliant player of seam. Last year when pace bowlers where averaging 10, 11 in FC QeA, he was averaging 50+ with the bat. That's why he was taken to England to play against pace in those conditions.

In the practice match in England he got out against a spinner, so management trusts his game against pace and not so against spin. So he would be back for SA series.

He may well be in the A squad which plays 2 4 day games against a strong NZ A side.

And moreover they had accommodate Shan some how, Azhar and Imam can't be dropped, neither can Fakhar, so an innocent guy has to be dropped to accommodate the Legend Shan.

 

[CricketingMinds]

Talat is a glaring miss from the list

 

[Minnowbasher]

We need a really good spinner for Asia cup. Zafar gohar would've been a good option.

 

[Bleedgreen4ever]

Hammad Azam
Umar Amin
Should be there...........

Joking right?

 

[mak36]

May be just to accommodate an extra spinner. He's a brilliant player of seam. Last year when pace bowlers where averaging 10, 11 in FC QeA, he was averaging 50+ with the bat. That's why he was taken to England to play against pace in those conditions.

In the practice match in England he got out against a spinner, so management trusts his game against pace and not so against spin. So he would be back for SA series.

He may well be in the A squad which plays 2 4 day games against a strong NZ A side.

And moreover they had accommodate Shan some how, Azhar and Imam can't be dropped, neither can Fakhar, so an innocent guy has to be dropped to accommodate the Legend Shan.

They will not be including four openers- Ahzar, Imam and Fakhar will be the three chosen.

If they wanted to replace Saad, then they should have chosen another m/o batsman, not Shan.

 

[TeymurBlake]

There's alot of players in the list that are included that shouldn't be there and there are some that have unfortunate to have missed out.

 

[Square Drive]

Rahat Ali? Even if the last 7 players are for Test preparation, Rahat should be nowhere near. Man averages nearly 39 in Tests. Needs to be booted. Imran Khan Jr (not the slower ball master, the other one) or even Wahab deserved to be there instead.

Good to see Asghar there in spite of not getting a contract. He's still on the radar which is good.

If the named are listed in order of preference for the ODI squad (which seems to be the case), it's slightly disturbing to see Yasir all the way up there. He should be limited to Tests, and the Zimbabwe ODIs should've been there to just get him some game time.

Shinwari seems to have locked up the 3rd pacer spot for now which is good, and Shaheen seems to be pretty high in the pecking order which is another positive. All 3 of Shadab, Nawaz, Imad definitely should not be selected in the final 15 but because it's in Asia, I'm expecting that to happen.

Hopefully Haris makes the final 15 as well.

Talat and Rumman should've been there. Good to see Sahibzada in there, though.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Can't believe guys like Shan Masood and Bilal Asif are still in the PCB's plans. Shan Masood is a failed test opener whose father holds influential posts in UBL and PCB which might explain how he keeps finding himself returning to the national set-up. Bilal Asif is an 'all-rounder' who is 32 and whose stats suggest he can neither bat nor bowl.

What have these guys done to achieve this amount of confidence from the PCB??

 

[ahmedwaqas92]

What exactly does Rahat have on the PCB???

 

[TeamPak95]

What exactly does Rahat have on the PCB???

You dare question the legend ?

 

[Asif321]

What is with the love for Bilal and Shan Masood

 

[Hasan123]

Salahuddin is a wasted selection. Hafeez is a rubbish selection. Shan is a disgraceful selection. Rahat is a hillairious selection.

Don't think we will see to many changes from the Zimbabwe ODI series.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

[MENTION=142670]mak36[/MENTION]

Bro I just want to see in loop. Who knows Allah na karay koi injury waghaira ho jaye World Cup sai phlai.

 

[MMHS]

Salahuddin is a wasted selection. Hafeez is a rubbish selection. Shan is a disgraceful selection. Rahat is a hillairious selection.

Don't think we will see to many changes from the Zimbabwe ODI series.

I think, this is not the final list. It’s simply madness that they couldn’t find a place for a 2nd WK in a 26 men list at the start of what is PAK’s busiest season in many years - 8 Tests, 20 ODI, few T20s, PSL and a WC with confirmed 9 games in WC within next 7-8 months travelling half of the globe!!!!!!! If they have done it deliberately, then it’s almost a corruption.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

[MENTION=142670]mak36[/MENTION]

Bro I just want to see in loop. Who knows Allah na karay koi injury waghaira ho jaye World Cup sai phlai.

Talat in loop*

 

[Hasan123]

I think, this is not the final list. It’s simply madness that they couldn’t find a place for a 2nd WK in a 26 men list at the start of what is PAK’s busiest season in many years - 8 Tests, 20 ODI, few T20s, PSL and a WC with confirmed 9 games in WC within next 7-8 months travelling half of the globe!!!!!!! If they have done it deliberately, then it’s almost a corruption.

It wi be shocking if they don't pick a back up keeper with this fixture list.

 

[ataullah]

surprised Talat isn't mentioned

He's at Mecca for Hajj

 

[Salman4.]

Salahuddin is a wasted selection. Hafeez is a rubbish selection. Shan is a disgraceful selection. Rahat is a hillairious selection.

Don't think we will see to many changes from the Zimbabwe ODI series.

How is Salahuddin a wasted selection?

 

[mak36]

Salahuddin is a wasted selection. Hafeez is a rubbish selection. Shan is a disgraceful selection. Rahat is a hillairious selection.

Don't think we will see to many changes from the Zimbabwe ODI series.

As mentioned above, this camp is for the Asia Cup and the upcoming test series. That is why Salahuddin is selected.

 

[Hasan123]

How is Salahuddin a wasted selection?

Because he isn't an ODI player

 

[Hasan123]

As mentioned above, this camp is for the Asia Cup and the upcoming test series. That is why Salahuddin is selected.

Why isn't Azhar Ali selected if it's for the test series?

 

[mak36]

Why isn't Azhar Ali selected if it's for the test series?

As mentioned above, he is playing county cricket. As is Abbas.

 

[Khan12]

Good to see Shaheen there which makes me think him playing odis and tests is not far.

 

[mak36]

Good to see Shaheen there which makes me think him playing odis and tests is not far.

Agreed.

The other interesting selection is Sahibzada Farhan. This is where Mickey is worlds apart from Pakistan's previous coaches. Farhan's nightmare T20I debut was some time ago and there aren't any upcoming T20s. Instead of letting that fester in Farhan's mind, Mickey is being smart and keeping Farhan in and around the squad to build his confidence. In other words, he is reassuring him about his place. That is what you call man-management.

Optimistically, the other thing Farhan's selection could mean is Mickey recognises the need for a (back-up) aggressive opener in ODIs.

 

[mak36]

[MENTION=142670]mak36[/MENTION]

Bro I just want to see in loop. Who knows Allah na karay koi injury waghaira ho jaye World Cup sai phlai.

Yes, I fully agree.

Developing bench strength is very important.

My worry with Talat is his selfish gene as evidenced by some of his running (have explained in detail in his thread- can provide the link if required).

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

My worry with Talat is his selfish gene as evidenced by some of his running (have explained in detail in his thread- can provide the link if required).

Yes thats true.
But hopefully with time larka samjh jaye.

 

[MenInG]

 

[anonymous_guy]

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Pakistan Cricket Team retreat camp activity has been scheduled to take place at Army School of Physical Training (ASPT) from August 27 to 31, 2018.

Following players and officials will be travelling on August 27, 2018:

Players:
1. Fakhar Zaman
2. Imam Ul Haq
3. Babar Azam
4. Shoaib Malik
5. Sarfraz Ahmad
6. Asif Ali
7. Shadab Khan
8. Fahim Ashraf
9. Muhammad Amir
10. Hassan Ali
11. Usman Shinwari
12. Muhammad Nawaz
13. Imad Wasim
14. Haris Sohail
15. Muhammad Hafeez
16. Yasir Shah
17. Shaheen Shah Afridi
18. Junaid Khan
19. Shahibzada Farhan
20. Shan Masood
21. Usman Salahuddin
22. Asad Shafiq
23. Bilal Asif
24. Muhammad Asghar
25. Rahat Ali
26. Mir Hamza

Team Officials:
i.Mickey Arthur, Head Coach
ii.Grant Flower, Batting Coach
iii.Grant Luden, Trainer
iv.Azhar Mahmood, Bowling Coach
v.Cliffe Deacon, Physiotherapist

Talha Ijaz . Analyst

The training camp schedule for Asia Cup will be announced later.

It seems that Saad Ali is a part of camp, if I am not wrong he is standing next to Md Asghar in the last photo.

Is Mickey Arthur also present at the camp.

 

[MenInG]

 

[mak36]

So, basically, Saad Ali will be dropped without even being played a single game?

May be just to accommodate an extra spinner. He's a brilliant player of seam. Last year when pace bowlers where averaging 10, 11 in FC QeA, he was averaging 50+ with the bat. That's why he was taken to England to play against pace in those conditions.

Looks like there was a mistake in the list of names the PCB provided.

Judging by the photos, he is part of the camp. Good to hear.

 

[mak36]

So the ODI starting line-up is the first 11 names, which is a pretty settled unit. The test inclusions are pretty uncontroversial and consistent with the previous test squad(s).

Coming on to the ODI names, the second spinner option is what worries me. The less said about pseudo all-rounders Nawaz and Imad the better. Zafar is nowhere to be seen. I think Mickey/selectors are waiting for Zafar to play a full season of domestic cricket before selecting him. Best case he is selected for the upcoming A tours and impresses enough to make the main squad.

Asghar and Bilal are most likely included as part of the test preparations (both were in the last UAE test squad), but in the absence of Zafar I really hope they (Asghar in particular) impress enough in this camp to put pressure on Nawaz/Imad for the LOI squad. People are questioning Bilal Asif’s selection but the guy was one of the best bowlers in the Pakistan Cup, which was played on very flat wickets, and he has also been part of the test squad/working with the coaches for a while now. Bilal’s selection also needs to be put in the wider context; Pakistan need an offspinner in the test squad, and given Ashiq Ali doesn’t seem near national selection Bilal is the next best option. The need for an off-spinner is accentuated when one considers Australia have a large number of l/h in their test line-up.

Coming on to the batsmen selected, both the test and ODI teams are pretty settled but I do think they have missed a trick in developing (middle-order) bench strength. Ideally Saud Shakeel and Talat (assume he will be added once he returns from Hajj) would have been part of this camp. Again, upcoming A tours are key in this regard.

Overall a good list of names, with the only absolutely terrible selections being Hafeez and Shan Masood. My one quibble is that Mickey and the selectors need to be more proactive in identifying domestic talent (irrespective of stats) and bringing them into the national set up. To this end, they used to hold player camps for fringe players ahead of tours but they don’t seem to do this anymore (presumably because the squad is more settled now).

 

[mak36]

To add to my post above Asghar was one of the top performers in both the Departmental and Regional One Day Cup (only played three matches in the Pakistan Cup so have ignored) with some very impressive stats; he can definitely put some pressure on Imad's/Nawaz's place in the LOI squads.

As I have mentioned in another thread, where Asghar needs to improve on is his ability to set up a batsman; he needs to stop being so impatient with his variations and actually bowl his stock ball as his main delivery (whilst varying his pace) to tie down the batsman and then use his variations as wicket taking deliveries. Zafar, by contrast, comes across as more skilful/smart in that regard.

 

[MenInG]

 

[MenInG]

Looks like fun!

 

[Amjid Javed]

PCB selectors have special plans to eventually have Shan masood as captain and future poster boy of pakistani cricket for next decade, hafeez is there to mentor shan masood into that role.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Some target training for Pakistan players at the training camp in Abbottabad....<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/bL5xebEgKt">pic.twitter.com/bL5xebEgKt</a></p>— PakPassion.net (@PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/PakPassion/status/1034714784346910720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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