Pakistan name 29-player squad for tour of England, Haider Ali & Fawad Alam included

[shamaan]

the only spot open in the test team is haris's replacement so dont understand the disapointment.

shaheen, naseem, abbas are the front line seamers, with the fourth/fifth spot likely to go to some combination of yasir, fahim and shadab.

wahab is likely to be back up if anyone of the front liners breaks down, and i wouldnt be surprised if hasnain is ahead of others for a fast bowling spot how musa got a debut in aus.

openers will be abid and shan for two tests at least, which leaves imam as a back up.

middle order azhar, babar and asad will play every test, which leaves fawad/shadab/fahim as likely 6 or 7

so

abid
shan

azhar
babar
asad

rizwan (6 or 7 depending on fawad selection)
shadab/fahim/fawad

yasir /wahab / sohail / hasnain
shaheen
abbas
naseem

100 percent wahab wont play unless injuries same with sohail and imran !

 

[Shoaibbtt]

They stil decent enough Malik and hafeez

They should've went for the younger talent like Rohail Nazir, Zeeshan Ashraf or even Sohail Akhtar (i was impressed by him) but most surprising was the omission of Sharjeel who definitely deserved a go. Umar Amin sorry is another who i think easily replaces those old farts Malik and Hafeez

 

[aloo paratha]

Decent squad.

 

[salman24]

Overall squad is okay. I would've like Sharjeel and Kamran Akmal in there too to preapre for the T20 WC.

 

[angrypathan]

Zafar is in the plans and he is a quality spinner but lets be honest I dont think he has pushed himself enough in the last couple of years. He has been okish with the ball and hasnt set the world on fire in any of the domestic tournaments. He was someone who was in the radar since his U19 days and debuted for Pak in ODIs when he was pretty young and missed test debut by missing his flight.

Good thing is his batting has improved but, he is not bowling upto his potential in recent times. He is in the mix but in tests I think Kashif Bhatti and even Nauman Ali are also in contention and Zafar other than being young and showing improvement in his batting hasnt done enough to get the call over them.

I still think he should be given international exposure again atleast in T20s to may be push him a little bit.

He was player of the tournament in the last QEA trophy. Think that's a decent effort in terms of pushing himself.

 

[Bewal Express]

They stil decent enough Malik and hafeez

No they are not. Malik can't play anything over 82mph and Hafeez has done nothing relative to the opportunities given to him. This nonsense has lasted a decade because of the cowardly selectors and the PCB

 

[zacattakk]

So, does Misbah keep a running list of players over 35 yrs old and try to select atleast half the team from there before working his way down? Genuine question.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Agree I'd only replace sohail,imran and maybe wahab

Wahab was retired, no sense chasing a guy who has no interest in playing test cricket. Need to brood some new blood.

 

[TrentDevil]

We have ruined some other careers before by being too impatient with youngsters. Yes Sami Aslam was outstanding in QAE 2019 but Imam is a youngster as well with already 7 centuries in ODIs, he looks to have a good temperament and has shown decent enough traits for a young batsman.

Selecting and then dropping without a consistent run from one format can have an effect on his overall progress as a player. Similar thing was done to many players and we have lost those players. Imam hasnt done well in 11 tests he has played as of now but he has mostly been selected as a backup opener and didnt get a consistent run.

Also one shouldnt forget why someone was selected in the first place, he was the 3rd highest scorer and highest as opener with an average of 49 in 2016 QAE trophy (The season before his debut). After that he has adapted to one format at international level well and there is no reason why he cant improve his game in tests as well considering it was his FC performances that got him into consideration.

Imam ain't a Test player and that's pretty clear, his FC record also suggests that at best he can be a decent option on subcontinent tracks, he doesn't have the technique to survive in Tests overseas, he has an issue of poking at balls outside off and that gets him out everytime, having him in the squad is very harsh on both Sami & Imran Butt who have done extremely well and merited a place ahead of him and incase of Sami he had a pretty solid series against England last time in 2016, so Imam ahead of him is grave injustice

 

[shah_1]

I see no purpose of Malik and Hafeez, we can still have a T20 team without these two

Saud Shakeel and Imran Butt/Zeeshan Ashraf would have had valuable experience during this two month period

 

[Nasty Naz]

Overall squad is okay. I would've like Sharjeel and Kamran Akmal in there too to preapre for the T20 WC.

lol Kamran Akmal... his 58 million comebacks are more than enough.

He is an awful player who should be forced to retire at this point. All he does is take spots from youngsters that are more deserving.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Imran Butt also seems like an odd selection. He had a good FC season but even then, his average as climbed just a bit over 36. There is a Saud Shakeel with a better average that is being ignored. He is also a lefty, something Pakistan Test team has been lacking for decades. I'm not sure why Pakistan are allergic to having a lefty batsmen in the Test side but its ridiculous how heavy right handed they have been for so long.

 

[aloo paratha]

Test

Abid
Shaan
Azhar
Babar
Shafiq
Fawad
Shadab
Faheem
Abbas
Shaheen
Naseem

T20

Haider
Babar
Hafeez
Malik
Khushdil
Iftikhar
Imad
Shadab
Shaheen
Hasnain
Rauf

 

[shamaan]

They should've went for the younger talent like Rohail Nazir, Zeeshan Ashraf or even Sohail Akhtar (i was impressed by him) but most surprising was the omission of Sharjeel who definitely deserved a go. Umar Amin sorry is another who i think easily replaces those old farts Malik and Hafeez

Tbh zeeshan Ashraf will only get in the squad as a keeper batesman he ain't good enough for just a Bateman.rohail nazir same with him.sohail akhtar could have been a replacement for either Malik or hafeez and is good enough tbh.with sharjeel babar mentioned he needs to improve on his fitness and then he will see.

 

[shamaan]

No they are not. Malik can't play anything over 82mph and Hafeez has done nothing relative to the opportunities given to him. This nonsense has lasted a decade because of the cowardly selectors and the PCB

He comes in at the middle overs were spin comes in to play hes the best player of spin we seen how well we did against the sri lanka series I think it was when we lost the t20s

 

[shamaan]

Wahab was retired, no sense chasing a guy who has no interest in playing test cricket. Need to brood some new blood.

Hes only thier to play the intra matches and may get 1 or 2 games in the t20s he wont play test match for sure

 

[Bewal Express]

He comes in at the middle overs were spin comes in to play hes the best player of spin we seen how well we did against the sri lanka series I think it was when we lost the t20s

It doesnt matter where he comes in, he is and has been awful for the last decade. It's only due to FZs heroics in the CT that we have won something, Hafeez and Malik have done nothing. We have invested 2 decades in 2 dreadful players.

 

[Abdullah719]

Coming back to the squad. Pray tell how many places were up for grabs? hardly any..Sohail Khan back in? well hes in for the t20's..probably cover for any of the young fast bowlers. i doubt he'll play a test..

Misbah said they specifically picked Sohail Khan as an option for the Test matches. Backup, basically.

A journalist asked why Sohail Tanvir genius) wasn't picked. Misbah said it's because he is mainly a T20 specialist and Sohail Khan was preferred because of his performances in England in 2016 and that he provides seniority to a young group of bowlers.

 

[Kroll]

He comes in at the middle overs were spin comes in to play hes the best player of spin we seen how well we did against the sri lanka series I think it was when we lost the t20s

They wouldn't put spin on him.

 

[Kroll]

Misbah said they specifically picked Sohail Khan as an option for the Test matches. Backup, basically.

A journalist asked why Sohail Tanvir genius) wasn't picked. Misbah said it's because he is mainly a T20 specialist and Sohail Khan was preferred because of his performances in England in 2016 and that he provides seniority to a young group of bowlers.

Well really, they should have brought Sohail Tanvir as well cos there's going to be T20s.

 

[AFM]

Has Misbah forgotten Sohail’s fitness levels? He was only reliable on the first morning of the Test match. Still remember the phainty he got in the Edgbaston Test where Cook of all people got rid of the 100+ deficit in a single session.

 

[Rana]

Don’t mind a Fawad Alam return. The guy will stand and bat, not delightful to watch but he puts a price on his wicket and this will be good for us.

 

[Kroll]

Fawad Alam is a selection far too late in his career, I mean a lot of these guys could be picked for a 2010 tour never mind 2020. He's not even that good that we're all getting excited about.

 

[Hawkeye]

Don't know why everyone hates the squad. It's pretty good. I'd just replace Sohail Khan, Faheem and Imran Khan.

because every bacha on here thinks they are a chief selector. Everyones an expert in their own minds. But to be honest most dont know anything. Many havent even finished school yet.

Coming back to the squad. Pray tell how many places were up for grabs? hardly any..Sohail Khan back in? well hes in for the t20's..probably cover for any of the young fast bowlers. i doubt he'll play a test..

one thing to note is it doesnt look like a very hot summer at the moment. september is normally pretty chilly. If we have a heat wave we need guys who can reverse the ball. If its cloudy we need some seamers. i think they have covered all of our bases. Afridi will be our spearhead and everyone else will have to bowl around him.

I cant wait for the series to be frank..tired of no cricket.

Everyone's an armchair chief selector.

And also beause, whining is our national time pass. I can't recall any squad in our history where people didn't complain.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Everyone's an armchair chief selector.

And also beause, whining is our national time pass. I can't recall any squad in our history where people didn't complain.

*****, this is so true. I've never ever seen a squad without complaining EVER.

 

[Titan24]

He was player of the tournament in the last QEA trophy. Think that's a decent effort in terms of pushing himself.

He was because he performed with bat or ball but as mentioned while he has improved his batting a lot or I would say he is converting the potential into runs as well however, at the same time his bowling wasnt as consistent I think. If one compares his stats with Nauman Ali or Kashif Bhatti (Last couple of seasons) his stats arent that impressive in terms of bowling alone.

I wouldnt have an issue if he would have been selected as I like him as a cricketer but unless the argument is selecting him over Shadab or Imad who offer something with both bat and bowl I dont think his non selection really he criticized as much as its being. Spot was of a specialist spinner and his returns purely in terms of bowling werent better than the specialist SLA selected.

Not a fan of Yasir in overseas tests especially so many wouldnt have mind Zafar over Yasir but then Mushi is spin bowling consultant and he generally gets best out of Yasir. Though I am definitely interested in seeing Zafar Gohar in Pak setup in one of the formats soon.

 

[Kroll]

Everyone's an armchair chief selector.

And also beause, whining is our national time pass. I can't recall any squad in our history where people didn't complain.

Okay fair enough, but do tell were you absolutely jumping with joy at the squad? Were you doing cartwheels around the room?

Are you foaming at the mouth at the prospect of Sohail Khan making a comeback?

 

[JibranAnsari]

we get a good tour after so long and its already ruined by terrible selections.

what are sohail khan , imran khan , faheem ashraf and sarfraz ahmed doing in the squad?
test team more likely be

shan
abid
azhar
asad
babar
iftikhar
rrizwan
yasir
shaheen
nasim
abbas

t20 team pata nhi kese banay gi

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

There is some next level despair on this thread.

There are some disappointments definitely but not as many as some are making them out to be.

I think Ehsan Adil and Sharjeel Khan could have been there over Imran Khan and Mohammed Hafeez. Sharjeel might have to work on his fitness by looking at the stance of the management.

I like Zafar Gohar but Kashif Bhatti was more accurate in recent times as his economy of last two seasons shows and with two leggies in the squad who can go for runs its good to have variety with someone who can stop the flow of runs if conditions require. He is a pretty handy lower order batsman as well.

Coming to Faheem Ashraf, as always some people confuse formats. He took a fifer in the final for CP and scored 2 50s in 3 matches with batting average of over 50 and 9 wickets with bowling average of under 29. Completely outperforming other pace bowling allrounders in bowling department with Yamin averaging 40 with ball with 7 wickets in 5 matches and Amad butt who averaged 45 with the ball and took 11 wickets in 6 matches.

Yes Yamin is a more accomplished overall and I think would have moved the ball pretty well in Eng but if only one pace bowling allrounder was to be selected Faheem did better in FC season than Yamin.

Coming to Sohail Khan which has surprised many including me. Its an arguable selection and Sameen Gul or Ehsan Adil could have been very much selected over him. Advantage which Sohail Khan gives to an extent
is some experience of playing in Eng and he likes the conditions because of the swing available though last time he played in Eng was almost 4 years ago. His fitness has been fine as he bowled over 250 overs in last FC season and he can still move the ball but how well he will fare in test cricket abd whether he will get a game or not is another matter.

Really good to see Haider Ali in the squad, hopefully he will learn a lot from this tour by sharing the dressing room with Babar and coaches. Most complete young batsman we have had in a while.

So overall other than two three names which could have been there I dont think there is much wrong with the selections.

Dude, I've always respected your takes because you tend to have a measured take on most happenings in Pakistan cricket. However, I have to disagree with your take here.

This squad was a golden opportunity for Misbah to blood a two-three uncapped batsmen, given the average age of the squad, in a squad of 29 players plus 4 reserves . The experience that such picks would have gained would have been invaluable.

Instead, the only uncapped pick is Haider Ali, who may (and reasonably can only) play the T20s. This, in itself wasn't the brave pick it seems because Pakistan only have a handful of dynamic batsmen and Haider is one of them.

Even the spin options are just boring, aren't they? Yasir Shah. Kashif Bhatti. Bilal Asif and Mohammad Nawaz in the reserves. Why those two?!?.

To put into context, the next time Pakistan tour, it's likely that near 70% of this squad will be either retired or most probably out of contention due to advancing years. That, in any estimation, is incredibly poor forward planning.

I'd like to underline that I was one of the few who was generally happy with Misbah's appointment. I saw it as a chance for an internationally respected guy like Misbah to develop as a coach and also perhaps give a chance to domestic performers who could make a difference. But, his picks, the odd unignorable youngster aside, have been incredibly unimaginative.

Using football parlance, he's like an old school 4-4-2 manager in a time when the world has moved on a couple of decades with possession/pressing football

 

[Nasty Naz]

Test

Abid
Shaan
Azhar
Babar
Shafiq
Fawad
Shadab
Faheem
Abbas
Shaheen
Naseem

T20

Haider
Babar
Hafeez
Malik
Khushdil
Iftikhar
Imad
Shadab
Shaheen
Hasnain
Rauf

Yes, a batting lineup would be better without a wicketkeeper...

 

[aloo paratha]

Yes, a batting lineup would be better without a wicketkeeper...

Damn I really forgot a keeper in both XI's. This lack of cricket is really getting to me

Replace Fawad with Rizwan in tests, replace Hafeez for Rizwan in T20s.

 

[Titan24]

Dude, I've always respected your takes because you tend to have a measured take on most happenings in Pakistan cricket. However, I have to disagree with your take here.

This squad was a golden opportunity for Misbah to blood a two-three uncapped batsmen, given the average age of the squad, in a squad of 29 players plus 4 reserves . The experience that such picks would have gained would have been invaluable.

Instead, the only uncapped pick is Haider Ali, who may (and reasonably can only) play the T20s. This, in itself wasn't the brave pick it seems because Pakistan only have a handful of dynamic batsmen and Haider is one of them.

Even the spin options are just boring, aren't they? Yasir Shah. Kashif Bhatti. Bilal Asif and Mohammad Nawaz in the reserves. Why those two?!?.

To put into context, the next time Pakistan tour, it's likely that near 70% of this squad will be either retired or most probably out of contention due to advancing years. That, in any estimation, is incredibly poor forward planning.

I'd like to underline that I was one of the few who was generally happy with Misbah's appointment. I saw it as a chance for an internationally respected guy like Misbah to develop as a coach and also perhaps give a chance to domestic performers who could make a difference. But, his picks, the odd unignorable youngster aside, have been incredibly unimaginative.

Using football parlance, he's like an old school 4-4-2 manager in a time when the world has moved on a couple of decades with possession/pressing football

Same here bro, I like your insights and respect your take on the topics.

Its first time in cricket a combined squad of 29 for two formats is created. There are some questionable selections no doubt as I have mentioned as well however, I think sometimes we all including me have unrealistic expectations.

I dont think just because Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Fawad Alam, Abid Ali etc most probably be retired by the time we next tour Eng, we shouldnt have considered them. In test cricket most of the teams select their best players especially when they are gonna play against one of the top sides at home, so we cant hold that against the selectors.

Also there is no young middle order batsman who stood up in QAE 2019. Imran Butt, Sami Aslam, Omair Yousuf and Zeeshan Malik are all openers so unless we wanted them to play in the middle order there was no point in having so many openers.

I wont be surprised if Haider Ali gets a test match if situation arises as Misbah has mentioned that he is an all format player which I think we all pretty much knew as well.

Coming to the spin options I think if Pak is gonna go with 5 man attack the spinner would probably be Shadab Khan to have some batting depth. Not a fan of Yasir in overseas tests but can only hope Mushtaq can extract something out of it if he plays. Kashif Bhatti gives an option of keeping it tight as his economy of last two seasons manifest and can be used if conditions require and not to forget he is a pretty handy lower order batsman.

In my opinion the first choice pacers will obviously be Abbas, Shaheen, Naseem along with Faheem as the 4th seamer to provide bowling depth. Next first choice pacer should be Usman Shinwari, he can surprise many in English conditions.

Imran Khan Snr is a selection without much basis and I have said that as well and Ehsan Adil could have been easily selected over him. Regarding Sohail Khan, I dont think his fitness is an issue as he bowled over 250 overs in QAE 2019 but again we can argue Sameen Gul probably could have been selected.

So I am not sure which players people were expecting. Few common names are Ehsan Adil, Sameen Gul, Zafar Gohar, Sami Aslam which were missed and I also think atleast couple of them could have been there. They make up just four names so does it mean people are satisfied with the rest of 25 selections? If not who should have been picked. I cant think of any young middle order batsman or young pacer other than already discussed missed here. If there are any, I would happy to be corrected.

 

[ZamanFan]

Misbah is finally useful and the reason why he was given 2 roles by PCB. Feels like this squad is made to appease and delight all lobbies.
Everyone important in BoG will be happy, and the fans will be ashamed and angry not at Misbah but at Ehsan Mani and Wasim Khan.

This is a free allowance trip for the 14-17 players, even a 5 year old knows who the final XI will be.

It feels like watching Pakistan cricket is over for me, nothing to look forward thus mafia has devastated our national team as well as system.

PM Imran Khan had promised to reform cricket structure. Now the old association run system looks way better and you can still find merit breaking through, this current system of Governor board is eating up Pakistan setup like a parasite. Influential important people with no cricketing acumen are making life or death decisions for our Cricket system, we are doomed.

 

[Kroll]

Given the names picked, I'm surprised Mo Irfan missed out. Bounce to go along with the experience of Imran Khan snr and the aggression of Sohail Khan.

 

[Hawkeye]

Wow!

Excited to see:

- Haidar Ali
- Kashif Bhatti
- Haris Rauf
- Naseem Shah
- Shaheen Shah
- Hasnain
- Fawad Alam (maybe? PP Fan favorite)

Some people complain for the sake of complaining and prior biases.

We as a nation love to whine, particularly whenever a squad is announced, you can't make every random cricket fan or expert happy.

Why do I say this?

Apart from 1 - 3 selections out of 29, everyone's been a good and expected selection. Those 1-3 could've been anyone. A gamble.

We've got two wonderful pacers, world class, young, exciting. Sadly, Amir pulled out. He would've been very handy!

Test team is pretty much already settled, there is no spot that requires a definite replacement. Haris Sohail sadly missing out, but he pulled out himself.

We've got the darling of everyone Fawad Alam in the team. Had he been left out, Misbah would have been crucified!

And, he's also getting crucified for including him and making such a bold decision.

So, who are the ones who I think could have been skipped?
- Imran Khan snr
- Shoaib Malik.

These are two bad selections I think.

Everyone else has a justified spot, and on a long tough tour where you aren't going to get any replacements from outside, this is a good one.

Overall, a very decent squad.

Now, on to performing like champs!

 

[Cric1234]

Love you misbah and your hair and beard dye.

 

[Hawkeye]

*****, this is so true. I've never ever seen a squad without complaining EVER.

Yes bro. People whine for the sake of it. Check my post above for my thoughts.

Okay fair enough, but do tell were you absolutely jumping with joy at the squad? Were you doing cartwheels around the room?

Are you foaming at the mouth at the prospect of Sohail Khan making a comeback?

Check my post for my analysis.

 

[Square Drive]

Notice how the likes of Salahuddin, Saad Ali, Mohammad Asghar have just randomly been removed from the setup.

Also quite pathetic how Sami Aslam and Zafar Gohar can't even make it to a 29-man squad in spite of their terrific QEA performances.

 

[Square Drive]

Notice how the likes of Salahuddin, Saad Ali, Mohammad Asghar have just randomly been removed from the setup.

Also quite pathetic how Sami Aslam and Zafar Gohar can't even make it to a 29-man squad in spite of their terrific QEA performances.

Add Mir Hamza to that list as well.

 

[ahmedzee]

The squad selection once again shows how pathetic and clueless Misbah is.
Lets see the positives:
1) Haider Ali selected, Khushdil given another chance .
2) Young bowling pair of Naseem and Shaheen kept
3) Sarfaraz kept
4) Ahsan Ali, Usman Qadir gone, THANK GOODNESS!!!
5) Wahab is back.

Now let me outline the negatives:

1) Hafeez and Malik retained. I feel only one of them deserve a selection in the T20 squad, and that has to be Hafeez, if you really need 29 players in the squad. Malik should not be selected. He is done!
2) Imran Khan retained. The guy didn't play a single game. He is a nobody and honestly doesn't deserve a selection at all.
3) Sohail Khan's comeback, really? He was done and dusted 5 years ago.
4) Kashif Bhatti's selection instead of Zafar Gohar or Umer Khan.
5) Non selection of Sharjeel Khan
6) Non selection of Sami Aslam for Tests
7) Non Selection of Zeeshan Ashraf (deserves a chance for T20)
8) Selection of Musa. The guy is not even domestic material, let along international.
9) Usman Shinwari selection. He is done as well. Was never promising and would not be able to even make it to Lahore's team next year. Maybe someone like Dilbar or someone else would've been better.

Misbah basically replaced some garbage like Usman Qadir and Ahsan Ali with some more garbage selection. Till this day since occupying the selector position, Misbah has made around 4-7 changes every single time he selected a squad. That only shows cluelessness. One can always refer to the article I wrong about his selection.

Now lets hope he doesn't carry that trend in his coaching role. Because we are going to lose a lot of games if he brings such defeatists mindset to the field.

 

[gazza619]

Might as well picked a squad of 31 and also included Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal.

Failing to understand the logic of the squad.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Mark it here.. under this clown, no youngster will play a game...

especially Haider Ali... Wouldnt be surprised if Naseem shah also....

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Pakistan to drop down to no.9 ranking in all formats is not too far

 

[MenInG]

The ECB are looking to fly Pakistan to the UK ahead of schedule after England's second opponents of the 2020 Test summer scrapped a pre-tour training camp due to the coronavirus spread.

Original plans would have seen the Pakistanis come into the country around July 5 but the ECB are now chartering a plane to get them here between June 26-29 in a bid to maximise their preparation time.

Pakistan are being flown in at a cost of around £500,000 - as West Indies were earlier this week - as part of the governing body's drive to salvage their international summer and limit estimated losses to £100million.

A squad of 29 players has been lined up to go into quarantine in Birmingham, where they are expected to remain for a substantial period of practice and inter-squad matches before heading to Manchester for the first Test on August 5.

 

[Junaids]

The ECB are looking to fly Pakistan to the UK ahead of schedule after England's second opponents of the 2020 Test summer scrapped a pre-tour training camp due to the coronavirus spread.

Original plans would have seen the Pakistanis come into the country around July 5 but the ECB are now chartering a plane to get them here between June 26-29 in a bid to maximise their preparation time.

Pakistan are being flown in at a cost of around £500,000 - as West Indies were earlier this week - as part of the governing body's drive to salvage their international summer and limit estimated losses to £100million.

A squad of 29 players has been lined up to go into quarantine in Birmingham, where they are expected to remain for a substantial period of practice and inter-squad matches before heading to Manchester for the first Test on August 5.

Birmingham doesn’t have an on site ground and hotel. Unlike Manchester and Southampton.

I expect 3-5 of the touring party to test positive prior to departure, which would jeopardise the tour.

 

[Usman]

the only spot open in the test team is haris's replacement so dont understand the disapointment.

shaheen, naseem, abbas are the front line seamers, with the fourth/fifth spot likely to go to some combination of yasir, fahim and shadab.

wahab is likely to be back up if anyone of the front liners breaks down, and i wouldnt be surprised if hasnain is ahead of others for a fast bowling spot how musa got a debut in aus.

openers will be abid and shan for two tests at least, which leaves imam as a back up.

middle order azhar, babar and asad will play every test, which leaves fawad/shadab/fahim as likely 6 or 7

so

abid
shan

azhar
babar
asad

rizwan (6 or 7 depending on fawad selection)
shadab/fahim/fawad

yasir /wahab / sohail / hasnain
shaheen
abbas
naseem

Wahab retired from Test cricket and so, unless he's changed his mind, I can't see him being picked if any of the frontline seamers breaks down in the tests.

As far as the squad in general is concerned, I agree there are some odd selections. However I have followed Pakistani cricket now for a very long time and I don't recall a single time a squad has been picked to satisfy everyone. It's an impossible task.

I agree that the 29 players selected include some left field names. However, you have to remember that most of these guys are being selected as backups - so we can relax knowing that the guys who will play are likely to be the best ones.

If Haris had been available, I think we would have had the perfect team. But as back ups go, Fawad is fantastic.

 

[Salman4.]

Mark it here.. under this clown, no youngster will play a game...

especially Haider Ali... Wouldnt be surprised if Naseem shah also....

Marked.

 

[Forum363]

Overall squad is okay. I would've like Sharjeel and Kamran Akmal in there too to preapre for the T20 WC.

LOL Kamran, back in England of all places... congratulations you pointed out the only way to make this squad considerably worse..

 

[HitWicket]

Birmingham doesn’t have an on site ground and hotel. Unlike Manchester and Southampton.

I expect 3-5 of the touring party to test positive prior to departure, which would jeopardise the tour.

There was talk of using the student accommodation that backs straight onto the ground.

Think Worcester has a Premier Inn or something within the ground.

 

[shamaan]

Marked.

Lol you being serious shaheen and naseem will play the tests
Haider will play the t20s and rauf when thou he ain't that young

 

[shamaan]

The squad selection once again shows how pathetic and clueless Misbah is.
Lets see the positives:
1) Haider Ali selected, Khushdil given another chance .
2) Young bowling pair of Naseem and Shaheen kept
3) Sarfaraz kept
4) Ahsan Ali, Usman Qadir gone, THANK GOODNESS!!!
5) Wahab is back.

Now let me outline the negatives:

1) Hafeez and Malik retained. I feel only one of them deserve a selection in the T20 squad, and that has to be Hafeez, if you really need 29 players in the squad. Malik should not be selected. He is done!
2) Imran Khan retained. The guy didn't play a single game. He is a nobody and honestly doesn't deserve a selection at all.
3) Sohail Khan's comeback, really? He was done and dusted 5 years ago.
4) Kashif Bhatti's selection instead of Zafar Gohar or Umer Khan.
5) Non selection of Sharjeel Khan
6) Non selection of Sami Aslam for Tests
7) Non Selection of Zeeshan Ashraf (deserves a chance for T20)
8) Selection of Musa. The guy is not even domestic material, let along international.
9) Usman Shinwari selection. He is done as well. Was never promising and would not be able to even make it to Lahore's team next year. Maybe someone like Dilbar or someone else would've been better.

Misbah basically replaced some garbage like Usman Qadir and Ahsan Ali with some more garbage selection. Till this day since occupying the selector position, Misbah has made around 4-7 changes every single time he selected a squad. That only shows cluelessness. One can always refer to the article I wrong about his selection.

Now lets hope he doesn't carry that trend in his coaching role. Because we are going to lose a lot of games if he brings such defeatists mindset to the field.

I agree with all your positives.

With the negatives
I think malik should play instead of hafeez others will pick different.
Imran,sohail are thier as backups reserves they wont play unless few get injuried.
I agree with that Kashif bhatti I would also have taken umer khan or gohar.
Sharjeel isnt fit enough.
Sami aslam should have been in squad instead of imaam.

With every squad you going to get positives and negatives

 

[shamaan]

Mark it here.. under this clown, no youngster will play a game...

especially Haider Ali... Wouldnt be surprised if Naseem shah also....

Are you being serious?
Haider will play t20s and naseem will play tests with shaheen

 

[Deewana Mastana]

No surprises whatsoever that the bigger the squad the more weirder selections and players make a comeback.

Misbah made sure he gets at least a few players in there who could do with a change of scenery for a few months which is why some of these are there.

 

[pratapj5]

My gut feeling is that this series might turn out to be a make or break series for Asad shafiq as he has not been consistent and has not performed for the team after the MissYou era.
You don't expect this kind of performance from your only senior player in the team.
Plus the performances of some domestic players in middle order and the emergence of Fawad Alam will put pressure on the selectors to take a call on Asad shafiq after this series if he does not perform.

 

[pratapj5]

Zafar gohar should have been there in place of Kashif bhatti.

 

[pratapj5]

My playing 11 for the 1st test will be

1. Shan Masood
2. Abid Ali
3. Azhar Ali
4. Babar azam
5. Fawad Alam
6. Mohammad rizwan (wk)
7. Faheem ashraf
8. Yasir shah. ( Ideally it should have been Zafar
gohar here as he would have been more
consistent and could have batted a bit as
well.)
9. Shaheen Afridi
10. Mohammad Abbas
11. Naseem shah

 

[nextover666666]

I hope haidar Ali gets some games would like to see how he handles international cricket in debut

 

[Abdullah719]

Inzamam questions Pakistan’s extended squad for England tour

ISLAMABAD, Jun 14 (APP):Former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has raised eyebrows on Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selection committee’s decision to announce a big squad for the England tour, fearing that instead of serving the good it may hit back.

Pakistan on Friday announced a 44-member extended squad for the three Tests and three T20s for England trip, slated to be held in in August-September.

“There are 29 players and 15 officials in the squad. I’ve never seen such a big management and a big team like that,” Inzamam said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Spoiler

The 50-year-old, who also served as chief selector national team from April 2016 to July 2017, said that the announcement of an extended team would put extra pressure on the players as each one of them would remain concerned as who would be picked up to become part of the playing eleven.

“It’s very surprising. I don’t know who has floated the idea to take a tough decision of sending 44 people on the tour. Let’s hope that it will benefit Pakistan cricket. But controlling and looking after such a big squad will not an easy task.

West Indies are there. I don’t think they’ve brought such a big squad. Our players need confidence; the more they’ll have it the better they’ll perform. But if a player will keep on worrying during the entire tour that if he will fail to perform he may be replaced with someone else, then it will damage for the team.”

Commenting on Sarfraz Ahmed’s inclusion in the squad as a backup wicketkeeper, Inzamam said it would not be easy for him to adjust to the new role.

“It is a good thing that Sarfraz has been given the chance. But considering him a second wicketkeeper is not a good move. An individual, who has been Pakistan’s captain for a long time and who led his side to several wins, including the Champions Trophy, such a role does not seem suitable.”

“Making a comeback as a normal player is different, but it is not easy for a player who has been team’s captain for three to four years. At the time of making comeback a player needs some encouraging words. But the use of such words (second wicketkeeper) may down him,” he insisted.

Inzamam also expressed reservations on PCB’s decision of not including senior players – Muhammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Wahab Riaz and Muhmmad Amir in the list of centrally contracted players. “When the central contracts were announced (last month) I couldn’t comment on that as it is after quite some time that I’m posting this video to express my views. But I think by not awarding central contracts to these four players, you’ve given them the message that you’ll not be with us for a long period. But if they are part of your T20 squad during the England tour, how can you give them the message that you are not part of our future planning?” he asked.

“I don’t think this a good approach as it will compel the players to focus on individual efforts and consequently team’s unity will be at stake.”

According to Inzamam there would have been nothing wrong if these players were also given a one year contract. “They’ve served Pakistan cricket for several years. I’ve also not seen any statement coming from them that they’ll quitting after the world cup,” added Inzamam, who scored 8,830 runs in 120 Tests and 11739 runs in 378 ODIs.

https://www.app.com.pk/inzamam-questions-pakistans-extended-squad-for-england-tour/

 

[IAJ]

Ugly, ugly squad - they had 29 spots to pick and loaded half the squad with obsolete oldies.

Normally, I try to rate any squad out of 10 - lost interest for this one.

Did you just forget who the CS is?

 

[MMHS]

Only ones who dont deserve to be in the squad is proberly wahab and sohail khan,imran Khan

Didn’t notice, you responded me

For a squad of 15-16, often 80% (12-13) players almost picks themselves - it’s the rest 2-4 players where you need selectors, who should be smart enough about conditions, combinations & future prospects. When it comes to 29 players, then it becomes tough; because after top 15-16 players, there are so, so many options available - it’s same in every aspect of life, the lower you go down the pyramid, base gets wider. If one asks to pick 2 players from PAK for a World squad, my 6 years old nephew can do the job (& he will get it correct) because he started watching cricket from last WC.

Coming to this squad - CV19 gave Misbah the honourable CS of PCB a wonderful chance to pick at least 10-12 new faces and give promising young players the exposure. Eventually, for a mini series with 3+3 games only, maximum 15-16 players will get games - that’s even considering that two confirmed starters for either format opted out of the tour. This means, last 10-12 players are there just as back up and giving regular players net practice - may be through that someone can outshine some preferred player and force his way in the playing XI.

In that regard, I would have picked only these known faces

Openers: Abid, Shan, Imam, FZ
Middle Order: Asad, Azhar, Babar, Khusdil
WK: Rizwan, Sarfraz
Spinner: Yasir
All-rounder: Faheem, Shadab
Pacer: Shaheen, Naseem, Abbas, Rauf, Hasnain

That’s 18 names, and I am sure everyone here will pick these 18 out of 29 (May be [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION] won’t pick Yasir, despite averaging 48+ in last Australian tour, with bat ....) - you don’t need a high profile CS for this one.

You can tactfully add four “ancient” names here in excuse of upcoming T20 WC (which I am not sure is going to take place, come October) - MoHa, Malik, Wahab, Iftekhar - that’s 22 names in total. I won’t have picked MoHa, Malik, Iftekhar even if there was no CV situation (& WC confirmed), because these three are not going to offer much in a WC in Australia (I know about Ifti’s heroics there), but that little we have to give it to Misbah, for the sake of his man crash for male over 40. Even then, among oldies, I would have picked Rahat over IK Sr. (Not the PM, he is a bit too old, even for Misbah), any day.


Still, still 7 slots were available and these 7 have very little chances to get a game - their only chance is either 2/3 players get injured or sick (hope not) or someone really sparkles during practice games. These 7 should have gone to players with promise, players who had a chance to serve PCT for a decade. In any of the situations, those obsolete oldies that are picked here as backup have absolutely nothing to offer - they have their celling measured and it wasn’t enough in past. This was the time to pick potential players - if just two of those could have made a mark, it would have been a gain.

Keeping those 22 intact, these are the next 7 that I would have picked

Batsman: Haider

WK: One of Ruhail or Umair

Spinner: Gohar, Sajid - finger spinners are not suggested to play in UK as the only spinner (and no way one should pick 2 spinners), but ENG will play one finger spinner - either an office or SLAO; therefore it was a must that PAK should pick two finger spinners (one each from either variety) for the squad

All-rounder: One of Saud (as batting all-rounder) or Amad as bowling alley-rounder

Pacer: Sameen, Ehsan Adil

If I were in charge, I would have kicked MoHa, Malik, Ifti out as well (but keep Wahab - in absence of Amir, he is the only experienced pacer and PAK will need to practice against someone express - Poms will field Jofra & Wood) and add Sami, Zeeshan (not sure about Sharjeel’s fitness, Zeeshan comes as T20 specialist) & one more new batting face - may be Babar or one of two Imrans (Butt, Rafique) or Badar and another pace bowling all-rounder - may be Yamin.

Still to ranking from me - it’s not even worthy of a fail mark.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Something which stands out in Misbah's tenure is a complete lack of consistency or logic to his selection.

- He selected Umar/ Shehzad when it made no sense to but dropped them after 2 innings.

- He dropped Malik and Hafeez for the Australia tour but selected them again for the easy home games against Bangladesh.

- He selected Ahsan Ali and Amad Butt and then dropped them without really giving them a chance.

- He asked who Usman Qadir is during a press conference, then suddenly selected him for Australia and Bangladesh t20s and then drops him without giving him a chance.

- He selected Musa for Tests in Australia when nothing in his First Class performances suggested he should be taken along over the likes of Sameen or Ehsan. However it appeared he was kept around the squad for his potential, which could be accepted given his age, fitness, work ethic etc. But now, he is suddenly dropped for SOHAIL KHAN... wow. What exactly was the planning here?

- He selected Imran Khan who was extremely mediocre throughout but retained him for no real reason.

- He brings back Shinwari when it is abundantly clear he is not a t20 or Test bowler but has been good in ODIs. (No ODIs on England tour).

- Kashif is kept in the squad without being given games when it would be more beneficial to give exposure to the likes of Zafar Gohar.

- He selects Sohail Khan on the basis of his performance in England FOUR years ago - when it was clear he lacked fitness then (rubbish second innings bowling) and is now 36. Even the brainless Rahat Ali would have made more sense.

In summary. Misbah the worst and clueless selector.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

I hope haidar Ali gets some games would like to see how he handles international cricket in debut

He will warm the bench for sure. It is Misbah who is in charge after all.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Are you being serious?
Haider will play t20s and naseem will play tests with shaheen

Will see. Misbah and his love for 30+ cricketers is beyond the talents of these 2 young men.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Are you being serious?
Haider will play t20s and naseem will play tests with shaheen

Yes misbahs top 6 for t20s will be

Fakhar , Babar, hafeez, Malik, ifti, rizwan,

In tests, he will play Ssa, abbas, wahab, yasir

Fourth seamer will be sohail or imran or faheem

 

[MoFresh23]

Yes misbahs top 6 for t20s will be

Fakhar , Babar, hafeez, Malik, ifti, rizwan,

In tests, he will play Ssa, abbas, wahab, yasir

Fourth seamer will be sohail or imran or faheem

Our main pacers are Shaheen, Naseem and Abbas. Naseem is going to play. Inshallah

Haider is going to play at least one t20. He is an upcoming talented batsman.

 

[MenInG]

Azharuddin in an interview

However, while on the subject of coaching, the Hyderabadi feels that much is made out of the ‘support staff’ with each team these days – be at a national, state of franchise level. ‘’I am amazed to see so many people accompanying the team these days. For example, my specialisation is in batting and fielding and hence if I coach any team, I don’t really a batting coach. Isn’t it? ,’’ he countered.

https://gulfnews.com/sport/cricket/...g-staff-these-days-says-azharuddin-1.72040592

 

[The Viper]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After a meeting with PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani, The Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan has given the go-ahead to the Pakistan Cricket Board for the bio-secure tour of England <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvPAK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvPAK</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1272591802533634056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expects a detailed reply from its its counterpart, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), by the end of the ongoing week over the arrangements to be made for hosting Pakistan cricket team from July to Sept for three Tests and as many T20I besides holding its training camp there.

The officials of the two cricket boards held a tele-conference on Monday which remained positive, according to the sources. The PCB, sources said, has handed over its requirements to ECB about the stay of the Pakistan team in England. The ECB will give a response by the end of this week.

It is learnt that the ECB is willing to hold the training camp of Pakistan in Birmingham, but there are reports that due to the lockdown in England, which was lifted on June 15 after three-months, the conditions of hotel accommodation is not entirely satisfactory.

It may be mentioned that under the prevailing Covid-19 situation around the world, the tour is a test case for both the countries, as special arrangements under bio-secure environments are the need of the hour to avoid any coronavirus cases. Though the ECB is currently hosting the West Indies under the quarantine system before going into the three Test series starting from July 8, its bio-secure system is still going through an experimental period and the results need to be seen as to how it works.

The PCB wants to send the team in the last week of June. It may be mentioned here that the two cricket boards are yet to announce the full itinerary of the tour.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1563789/pcb-awaiting-detailed-reply-from-ecb-over-bio-secure-measures

 

[Junaids]

It’s a trap.

Quarantine in Birmingham doesn’t allow for practice during those 14 days - there’s no hotel at Edgbaston.

The quarantine needs to be served at Old Trafford or Southampton.

Otherwise they might as well do it at the hotel at Blackpool Football Club and practice cricket on the football pitch. (I’m not kidding - it’s not a bad option - certainly better than Birmingham).

 

[MenInG]

The English Cricket Board will reportedly spend around half a million pounds on the special chartered flight, which will fly 29 players and 14 officials from Pakistan to England at the end of this month

The Pakistan Cricket Board will not allow players and officials touring England next month to take their families with them due to the precautions being taken to tackle the COVID-19 threat.

The English Cricket Board will reportedly spend around half a million pounds on the special chartered flight, which will fly 29 players and 14 officials from Pakistan to England at the end of this month.

“The board has made it clear to players their families can’t travel with them and also explained to them it would be of no use even if their families reached and stayed in England separately. The entire squad can’t interact with their families in person until the tour is completed in September,” a source in the Pakistan board said.

The team will be competing in a three-Test and three-T20 series starting July 30 in a bio-secure environment owing to the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

”...this time the board has told the players that as soon as they reach England they will spend around 14 days in quarantine in Birmingham before they move on to Manchester after staying in isolation and in a bio-secure environment for around three to four weeks for their practice and training,” he said.

The source said that the total restriction on families travelling with the players was the main reason for batsman Haris Sohail pulling out of the tour.

During the 2015 World Cup, Haris claimed to have spotted a ghost in his hotel room in New Zealand after which the board allowed him special permission to have his wife accompany him on every foreign tour as he was not comfortable travelling or staying alone. But this time, due to the new restrictions Haris was told his wife can’t accompany him after he decided to opt out of the long tour.

The PCB on Monday got the clearance from its patron in chief, Prime Minister Imran Khan, to go ahead with the tour which the ECB sees as essential to avoid a huge loss during the pandemic.

The Pakistan and England series is guaranteed to enable the ECB to earn between 70 to 75 million pounds from broadcast revenues.

The ECB has warned that a complete wipeout of season could lead to losses of around 380 million pounds.

https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cric...nd-pakistan-cricket-board/article31839451.ece

 

[HitWicket]

It’s a trap.

Quarantine in Birmingham doesn’t allow for practice during those 14 days - there’s no hotel at Edgbaston.

The quarantine needs to be served at Old Trafford or Southampton.

Otherwise they might as well do it at the hotel at Blackpool Football Club and practice cricket on the football pitch. (I’m not kidding - it’s not a bad option - certainly better than Birmingham).

They'll likely be allowed to bypass the 14 day quarantine rule when they arrive (assuming the accomodation in Birmingham won't be the student accommodation that backs onto the ground as was originally touted anyway).

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Our main pacers are Shaheen, Naseem and Abbas. Naseem is going to play. Inshallah

Haider is going to play at least one t20. He is an upcoming talented batsman.

With Misbah incharge I don’t expect him to play Naseem or Haider and even if played they have to do really well to keep their places in the 11. He is not MA or Inzi to give continuous chances even if they go through bad patch or form

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Can someone confirm that for this upcoming series what ball is being used Dukes or Kookaburra?

 

[shamaan]

With Misbah incharge I don’t expect him to play Naseem or Haider and even if played they have to do really well to keep their places in the 11. He is not MA or Inzi to give continuous chances even if they go through bad patch or form

Hahah naseem will defo play tests and Haider will play t20s

 

[MenInG]

The Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, according to a local news channel, has granted the national men’s team of Pakistan permission to travel to England for their upcoming series.

The source in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that Chairman Ehsan Mani met the Prime Minister. The head of the PCB wanted to discuss matters related to international and domestic cricket with the Chief Patron of the board. The request for the meeting had been forwarded three weeks ago while the meeting was finally confirmed for Monday.

 

[MenInG]

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board will not allow players and officials touring England next month to take their families with them due to the precautions being taken to tackle the COVID-19 threat. The English Cricket Board will reportedly spend around half a million pounds on the special chartered flight, which will fly 29 players and 14 officials from Pakistan to England at the end of this month. “The board has made it clear to players their families can’t travel with them and also explained to them it would be of no use even if their families reached and stayed in England separately. The entire squad can’t interact with their families in person until the tour is completed in September,” a source in the PCB was quoted as saying.

The team will be competing in a three-Test and three-T20 series starting July 30 in a bio-secure environment owing to the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “…this time the board has told the players that as soon as they reach England they will spend around 14 days in quarantine in Birmingham before they move on to Manchester after staying in isolation and in a bio-secure environment for around three to four weeks for their practice and training,” he said. The source said that the total restriction on families travelling with the players was the main reason for batsman Haris Sohail pulling out of the tour.

During the 2015 World Cup, Haris claimed to have spotted a ghost in his hotel room in New Zealand after which the board allowed him special permission to have his wife accompany him on every foreign tour as he was not comfortable travelling or staying alone. But this time, due to the new restrictions Haris was told his wife can’t accompany him after he decided to opt out of the long tour. The PCB on Monday got the clearance from its patron in chief, Prime Minister Imran Khan, to go ahead with the tour which the ECB sees as essential to avoid a huge loss during the pandemic. The Pakistan and England series is guaranteed to enable the ECB to earn between 70 to 75 million pounds from broadcast revenues. The ECB has warned that a complete wipeout of season could lead to losses of around 380 million pounds.

https://dailytimes.com.pk/627926/no-family-members-to-accompany-players-to-england-pcb/

*

 

[MenInG]

Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has fixed the dates of the COVID-19 Test of national team players and officials which will be part of England tour, ARY Sports reported.

According to sources, the first COVID-19 Test will be held on June 22nd in their respective cities. All players and officials are informed for the test.

The players will be tested in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Peshawar. After the first testing, PCB will announce the players’ arrival schedule in Lahore.

The second testing is scheduled for June 25th but the final announcement of the second testing will be made after the departure schedule of the team is given by the English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

The national team is expected to leave on June 28th via chartered plane which will arrive on June 26th, however, the final schedule will be announced by the ECB in the next few days.

The virus Tests of the squad will once again be taken after they reach the UK, as per their government directives.

https://arysports.tv/players-officials-covid-test-june-22-england-tour/

 

[angrypathan]

Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has fixed the dates of the COVID-19 Test of national team players and officials which will be part of England tour, ARY Sports reported.

According to sources, the first COVID-19 Test will be held on June 22nd in their respective cities. All players and officials are informed for the test.

The players will be tested in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Peshawar. After the first testing, PCB will announce the players’ arrival schedule in Lahore.

The second testing is scheduled for June 25th but the final announcement of the second testing will be made after the departure schedule of the team is given by the English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

The national team is expected to leave on June 28th via chartered plane which will arrive on June 26th, however, the final schedule will be announced by the ECB in the next few days.

The virus Tests of the squad will once again be taken after they reach the UK, as per their government directives.

https://arysports.tv/players-officials-covid-test-june-22-england-tour/

Time travel

 

[Bullet Drive]

Didn’t notice, you responded me&#55357;&#56861;

For a squad of 15-16, often 80% (12-13) players almost picks themselves - it’s the rest 2-4 players where you need selectors, who should be smart enough about conditions, combinations & future prospects. When it comes to 29 players, then it becomes tough; because after top 15-16 players, there are so, so many options available - it’s same in every aspect of life, the lower you go down the pyramid, base gets wider. If one asks to pick 2 players from PAK for a World squad, my 6 years old nephew can do the job (& he will get it correct) because he started watching cricket from last WC.

Coming to this squad - CV19 gave Misbah the honourable CS of PCB a wonderful chance to pick at least 10-12 new faces and give promising young players the exposure. Eventually, for a mini series with 3+3 games only, maximum 15-16 players will get games - that’s even considering that two confirmed starters for either format opted out of the tour. This means, last 10-12 players are there just as back up and giving regular players net practice - may be through that someone can outshine some preferred player and force his way in the playing XI.

In that regard, I would have picked only these known faces

Openers: Abid, Shan, Imam, FZ
Middle Order: Asad, Azhar, Babar, Khusdil
WK: Rizwan, Sarfraz
Spinner: Yasir
All-rounder: Faheem, Shadab
Pacer: Shaheen, Naseem, Abbas, Rauf, Hasnain

That’s 18 names, and I am sure everyone here will pick these 18 out of 29 (May be [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION] won’t pick Yasir, despite averaging 48+ in last Australian tour, with bat ....) - you don’t need a high profile CS for this one.

You can tactfully add four “ancient” names here in excuse of upcoming T20 WC (which I am not sure is going to take place, come October) - MoHa, Malik, Wahab, Iftekhar - that’s 22 names in total. I won’t have picked MoHa, Malik, Iftekhar even if there was no CV situation (& WC confirmed), because these three are not going to offer much in a WC in Australia (I know about Ifti’s heroics there), but that little we have to give it to Misbah, for the sake of his man crash for male over 40. Even then, among oldies, I would have picked Rahat over IK Sr. (Not the PM, he is a bit too old, even for Misbah), any day.


Still, still 7 slots were available and these 7 have very little chances to get a game - their only chance is either 2/3 players get injured or sick (hope not) or someone really sparkles during practice games. These 7 should have gone to players with promise, players who had a chance to serve PCT for a decade. In any of the situations, those obsolete oldies that are picked here as backup have absolutely nothing to offer - they have their celling measured and it wasn’t enough in past. This was the time to pick potential players - if just two of those could have made a mark, it would have been a gain.

Keeping those 22 intact, these are the next 7 that I would have picked

Batsman: Haider

WK: One of Ruhail or Umair

Spinner: Gohar, Sajid - finger spinners are not suggested to play in UK as the only spinner (and no way one should pick 2 spinners), but ENG will play one finger spinner - either an office or SLAO; therefore it was a must that PAK should pick two finger spinners (one each from either variety) for the squad

All-rounder: One of Saud (as batting all-rounder) or Amad as bowling alley-rounder

Pacer: Sameen, Ehsan Adil

If I were in charge, I would have kicked MoHa, Malik, Ifti out as well (but keep Wahab - in absence of Amir, he is the only experienced pacer and PAK will need to practice against someone express - Poms will field Jofra & Wood) and add Sami, Zeeshan (not sure about Sharjeel’s fitness, Zeeshan comes as T20 specialist) & one more new batting face - may be Babar or one of two Imrans (Butt, Rafique) or Badar and another pace bowling all-rounder - may be Yamin.

Still to ranking from me - it’s not even worthy of a fail mark.

It's a ridiculous squad. Misbah has no clue about cricket.

Even if we win, 6-0. This squad is terrible.

He has no clue about talent.

He kept Saif Badar on the bench for the entire PSL!!!!!!!

 

[Markhor]

Fawad's been set up to fail. Never got a chance in UAE or for the home series vs SRL and BAN where he sat on the bench.

Yet now will be recalled for a tour of England. Classic PCB management. Hope he makes the most of the opportunity.