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Ahmed Shehzad, Umar Akmal overlooked for skill camp ahead of England vs Pakistan 2016 series

Mohammad Hafeez has been included but his final selection would be subject to fitness clearance.

Umar Akmal is not in the shortlist of 21 players © Getty Images
Umar Akmal is not in the shortlist of 21 players © Getty Images

Lahore: Pakistan’s national selectors ignored experienced batsmen Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal while announcing a shortlist of 21 players for a skill camp prior to the tour of England this summer. Senior batsman Mohammad Hafeez was included in the list but chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq told the media here today that his final selection would be subject to fitness clearance. “We want Hafeez in the touring Test squad as he is an experienced campaigner but his final selection is subject to fitness,” he said. READ: Ben Stokes aims to return against Pakistan following knee surgery

Inzamam also made it clear that while leg spinner Yasir Shah was called up for the camp, but the medical panel had said he would be fit to play again in 10 days’ time. “The report about Yasir is encouraging and he should be fit from his knee problem in 10 days according to the doctors,” Inzamam said. Hafeez and Yasir both missed the three-week long boot camp held in Kakul this month due to fitness issues while the skills camp is due to be held here from May 30 to June 5 under the supervision of new head coach Mickey Arthur. READ: Pakistan submits Mohammad Aamer’s British visa application before tour of England

With no Ahmed Shehzad, the selectors have recalled Test opener Khurrum Manzoor for the opening slot along with Hafeez, Sami Aslam and Shaan Masood. The press release issued by PCB also didn’t include the name of left-arm fast bowler Wahab Riaz, who is currently playing county cricket in England. But sources said Wahab’s performance is being watched and if the selectors are satisfied he will directly join the touring squad in England. READ: Zaheer Abbas laments poor state of Pakistan cricket

The selectors have included left-arm pacer Mohammad Aamir in the shortlist even though he is yet to be issued a visa by UK authorities. The national selectors have also announced the Pakistan A squad that will tour England in June and July.

Pakistan senior team probables:

Openers: Muhammad Hafeez, Sami Aslam, Shan Masood and Khurrum Manzoor.

Middle-order: Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq, Ifthikar Ahmed, Asif Zakir and Akbar ur Rehman.

Fast bowlers: Mohammad Aamir, Rahat Ali, Imran Khan, Sohail Khan, Junaid Khan and Ehsan Adil.

Spinners: Yasir Shah and Zulfiqar Babar.

Wicketkeepers: Sarfaraz Ahmed and Muhammad Rizwan.

Pakistan A squad: Sharjeel Khan, Fakhr Zaman, Jahid Ali, Saud Shakeel, Babar Azam, Umar Siddique, Abdul Rehman Muzammil, Muhammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, Muhammad Abbas, Azizullah, Bilawal Bhatti, Muhammad Asghar, Shadab Khan and Muhammad Hasan.

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