Pakistan names uncapped Azam Khan for England and West Indies T20Is

Pakistan has recalled fast bowlers Mohammad Abbas and Naseem Shah for the Test series against West Indies. Meanwhile, Quetta Gladiators' uncapped hard-hitting batsman Azam Khan has been picked in the T20I set-up that will play against England and West Indies. The T20I squad also includes veteran all-rounder Imad Wasim. 

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"We have been constant in our selection & have kept the similar core of cricketers who have been in the set-up for quite some time. This is a very important and important tour for Pakistan as we play the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League. Chief selector Mohammad Wasim said, "ODIs against England as well as T20 Internationals against England and West Indies as part of our preparations for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The Jamaica Test will be counted in the ICC World Test Championship." 

"Thus, keeping the above in mind and consultation with Captain Babar Azam and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq, we have tried our best to retain the winning combinations but at the same time recall four experienced players. Rewarded to taken and uncapped Azam Khan. His home performance, as well as giving him the confidence he needs for the challenges of the future." 

Abbas and Naseem were dropped from the Test team after the Test series in New Zealand, both averaging 45 and 73 respectively. However, Abbas took 15 wickets in the West Indies in 2017. He has also taken 27 wickets this season in the County Championship in England. Leg-spinner Yasir Shah, who missed the Test series against Zimbabwe due to a knee injury, also returned to the Test set-up. Yasir's inclusion is subject to his full recovery from his knee injury. 

"Mohammed Abbas has regained his form, Naseem Shah and Haris Sohail have recovered the required fitness standards, while Imad Wasim has been recalled considering the T20 World Cup likely to be held in the UAE and they have an excellent record there. The return of these four players meant we had to drop some players, which is not an easy decision. But we have collectively chosen in the best interest of the side, the opponents, and the upcoming tours. But keeping the need of the formats in mind,” Wasim noted. 

The inclusion of Yasir Shah is subject to his clearing the fitness test. He was sidelined after the second Test against South Africa earlier this year with a knee injury and has been given full fitness for the West Indies tour. Was expected to achieve. However, that has not been done. That is the case, but we hope that he will complete his rehabilitation before departure."

 Left-arm spinner Nauman Ali, who made a successful debut in his Test career, has retained his place in the set-up. Leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood and off-spinner Sajid Khan have also been retained for the two Tests to be played in Jamaica. 

On the other hand, Azam, who has scored runs at a strike rate of over 144 for the Gladiators, makes it to the T20 side. Azam has scored 743 runs in his T20 career so far at an impressive strike rate of 157.41. Imad, who missed the T20I series against South Africa and Zimbabwe, has also been picked. 

The Asian nation is also set to play three ODIs against England in July. For that series, the Pakistan selectors have included uncapped batsman Saud Shakeel. Shakeel, who is a prolific run-scorer in Pakistan's domestic cricket, missed the twin tours of South Africa and Zimbabwe due to a Grade-1 quadriceps tear. Veteran batsman Haris Sohail has also got a place in the ODI team. 

"The team has maintained an upward momentum since the home series against South Africa, but there are still some loose ends that we would like to close by the end of the England and West Indies tour to have complete clarity on our compositions. West Indies tour Post-engagement. I strongly believe the changes will bridge those gaps and put us in a stronger position in our efforts to break into the top three across all formats by the end of 2023." 

Pakistan will play three ODIs and three T20Is in England from July 8-20, followed by five T20Is against the West Indies followed by two Tests.