 Shoaib is the world's fastest bowler |
Shoaib Akhtar has been named in Pakistan's squad for the NatWest Challenge against England even though he is banned from playing in the first game. Shoaib was handed a two-match ban after being found guilty of ball-tampering during a recent series in Sri Lanka.
The 27-year-old will miss the day-night fixture at Old Trafford on 17 June, but will be available for the two others matches at The Oval and Lord's.
He will looking to improve a modest record of eight wickets in three previous one-day appearances against England.
The sides last met at Cape Town during the recent World Cup when England won by 112 runs and Shoaib could only manage figures of 1-63 from nine overs.
But Pakistan have improved since then, winning a four-nation tournament in Sharjah and reaching the final in Sri Lanka before losing to New Zealand.
The selectors have recalled all-rounder Azhar Mahmood at the expense of Abdul Razzaq, who will therefore continue his county contract with Middlesex.
"Azhar Mahmood has been in view of his excellent form with the bat and the ball in the English County Championship for Surrey.
"He is a utility player who, we strongly believe, will make a difference to the outlook of the team," said chief selector Aamir Sohail.
"Razzaq has struggled with his bowling and looks a bit tired."
PAKISTAN FIXTURES 7 June v Scotland 9 June v Essex 11 v Northamptonshire 14 June v Leicestershire 17 June 1st ODI, Old Trafford 20 June 2nd ODI, The Oval 22 June 3rd ODI, Lord's |
There is no place for Mahmood's county team-mate Saqlain Mushtaq or batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq.
Opening batsman Taufeeq Umar has also been dropped after scoring only 35 runs in four innings in Sri Lanka.
"Although he is an excellent prospect and a future asset, he is getting out in a similar fashion which means that he has a flaw in his technique," said Sohail.
The squad includes a handful of players who will be unfamiliar to England in batsmen Faisal Athar and Yasir Hameed, all-rounder Bilal Asad, and seam bowlers Shabbir Ahmad and Umar Gul.
"The tour to England will be a gruelling and testing one for the youngsters but I am sure that it will be a great learning experience for them as well," Sohail added.
Pakistan squad: Rashid Latif (capt), Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Nazir, Faisal Athar, Yasir Hameed, Yousuf Youhana, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik, Bilal Asad, Azhar Mahmood, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Sami, Shabbir Ahmad, Umar Gul, Danish Kaneria.
MMIX
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