Pakistan announces Test squad against New Zealand, Hasan Ali returns
Pacer Hasan Ali and ‘uncapped’ batsman Kamran Ghulam were named in a 16-member squad for the two-Test series against New Zealand starting here on Monday. Kamran, who has been included in Pakistan’s Test squad in the past but did not get a chance to make his debut, will replace veteran Azhar Ali who retired from Test cricket this week. The selectors also released fast bowler Mohammad Ali and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf after the 3-0 whitewash against England.
Pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf have also not been included in the squad as both are recovering from injuries. The New Zealand team will reach here on Thursday morning. It is the third major team after Australia and England to tour Pakistan for a Test series this year. The announcement of the team comes amid speculation of a reshuffle in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on the orders of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, including a change in the selection committee and replacement of PCB chief Rameez Raja with former chairman Najam Sethi. Is.
Test squad: Babar Azam (Captain), Abdullah Shafiq, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha , Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Zahid Mehmood.
