Pakistan v England: Shahid Afridi returns to Green colours for ODI and Twenty20 matches – Cricket News Update
Shahid Afridi, the flamboyant cricketer from Pakistan, makes his return to the Green colours. The audacious all-rounder, who retired from Test cricket in 2010, was included in the 16-man One Day International and Twenty20 squad that will go up against England
in a 50-over game starting from Monday, February 13 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The four match ODI series will be followed by three Twenty20 internationals.
Pakistan has retained most of the players, who took part in the Test series against touring the English side. The Men in Green annihilated their opponents in the series, by completing a whitewash.
Afridi believes that Pakistan has gained the mental edge over their foes after winning the Test series. The 31-year-old remained upbeat regarding a repeat performance in the ODIs as well.
He said, “I think after the way we swept the test series we are in a very good position morally and psychologically to also win the one-day series.”
Shoaib Malik has been axed from both squads, after his lacklustre performances in the series against Sri Lanka. Hammad Azam has made his way into the side at the expense of Malik.
Younis Khan will remain a part of Pakistani squad for the ODIs; however, the veteran batsman will not be the part of the Twenty20 team, as Pakistan looks to add some young blood into the side. Wicket-keeper batsman, Ovais Zia, will come into the side as
his replacement.
Mohammad Illyas, the chief selector, has high hopes for the side that the selectors have picked for the ODI and T20 series.
Illyas said, “We have selected a team that is a blend of experienced and young players. We have also called up some specialist one-day and Twenty20 players like Awais Zia and Hammad. The team has won the test series comprehensively. But England are a top
side and there is more hard work to be done in the one-day series.”
Pakistan squad for ODI series:
Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat, Younis Khan, Umar Akmal, Asad Shafique, Azhar Ali, Adnan Akmal, Hammad Azam, Shahid Afridi, Umar Gul, Junaid Khan, Aizaz Cheema, Wahab Riaz, Saeed Ajmal and Abdul Rehman.
Pakistan squad for Twenty 20:
Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat, Ovais Zia, Umar Akmal, Asad Shafique, Adnan Akmal, Hammad Azam, Shahid Afridi, Umar Gul, Junaid Khan, Aizaz Cheema, Wahab Riaz, Saeed Ajmal and Abdul Rehman.