 Just when you thought that Pakistan cricket cannot have any more surprises
in store, Pakistan Cricket Board has delivered yet again. Misbah ul Haq making
a comeback after being dropped for all three formats after ICC World T20 has been
made Test captain of Pakistan. Misbah will lead Pakistan for the home series against South Africa in UAE, which consists of two Tests, while Afridi will be
in charge of the ODIs and T20s.
Former Pakistan captains Younis Khan and Shoaib Malik again do not find
place in any format. Couple of days ago Younis Khan told a Pakistani TV channel
that he won't apologize for something he has not done. This gives an indication
that personal duel of Younis and Ijaz Butt, PCB chairman has intensified. Ignoring
Younis Khan continuously has sparked strong criticism from former players and
supporters.
Another notable and peculiar instance is that Mohsin Khan, Pakistan's chief
selector has said that selection committee didn't have anything to do in selecting Misbah ul Haq. However Mohsin tried to justify Misbah's selection by
arguing that there is no other potential captain in the side. Misbah did lead
Pakistan in an ODI against India and has experience of captaincy at domestic
level, leading SNGPL and Faisalabad Wolves, his departmental and regional teams.
Pakistan, who had initially named ODI and T20 squad with a captain, named Misbah
in the squad after he amassed 490 runs at an average of 163.33 in the domestic
RBS ODI cup. Kamran Akmal was due to miss all the two T20s and five ODIs, due
to injury but also has not been selected in the Test squad suggesting he has
been dropped. Youngsters Umar Amin, Azhar Al and Wahab riaz have been left out,
the latter two selected in Test squad. Left arm spinner Abdul Rehman makes his
way in.
Pakistan (ODI & T20) squad: Shahid Afridi (C), Imran Farhat, Mohammad
Hafeez, Mohammad Yousuf, Misbah-ul-Haq, Umar Akmal, Asad Shafiq, Fawad Alam,
Abdul Razzaq, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Shoaib Akhtar, Tanvir Ahmed,
Zulqarnain Haider (wk).
A day later after announcing the limited overs 15 man squad, PCB announced
Test squad with many notable changes. Taufiq Umar, Danish Kanera, Mohammad Sami
and Abdur Rehman have made comebacks. Sohail Tanvir is also named in the squad
if he passes fitness test.
Pakistan (Test) squad: Misbah ul Haq (C), Imran Farhat, Taufeeq Umar, Asad
Shafiq, Mohammad Yousuf, Umar Akmal. Azhar Ali, Saeed Ajmal, Danish Kaneria,
Abdur Rehman, Zulqarnain Haider (wk), Umar Gul, Tanvir Ahmed, Mohammad Sami,
Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir (depending on fitness test).
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