Umar Gul, Younis Khan back in Pakistan ODI squad

Karachi, Nov 30: The national selection committee has recalled experienced speedster Umar Gul for the two T20 matches and first two ODIs against New Zealand, here today. The PCB announced a 14-member T20 squad to be captained by Shahid Afridi and a 16-member ODI squad led by Misbah-ul-Haq.

Gul, who has been in and out of the team having undergone knee surgery in May, has been recalled for both formats. The selectors have also called up senior batsman Younis Khan for the first two ODIs after his sparkling performances in the Tests against Australia and New Zealand.

The comeback of Younis is seen as a step down by the selectors led by Moin Khan, who had earlier while dropping Younis for the one-day series against Australia claimed he was not part of their World Cup plans. Younis had lashed out the selectors and responded by scoring three back-to-back centuries against Australia and one against New Zealand.

Significantly, while releasing the squads the PCB has enlisted Younis Khan's name as the 15th player in the squad. Dashing middle-order batsman, Umar Akmal has also been displaced as the wicketkeeper in both formats by the inform Sarfaraz Ahmed although Umar had also been performing keeping duties since last year.

He is lucky to be in the side as he has struggled for form in the domestic matches since being dropped for the Tests. Also fortunate to win a recall is left handed opener, Nasir Jamshed for the ODI matches. Left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz has also recovered from his knee problem which he suffered during the ODIs against Australia, and has been picked in both formats.

Opener Ahmed Shehzad who was hit on the jaw by a short pitched ball during the first test against New Zealand is also back in the squads after a quick recovery. Chief selector Moin Khan said in the PCB release that the coming limited over series was last opportunity for players to perform and cement their places for the World Cup.

"This is our final opportunity to test all our potential players before the World Cup. That is why we have tried to induct all our fit players in contention for a slot," Moin said.

Squads

T20: Ahmed Shehzad, Anwar Ali, Muhammad Hafeez, Haris Sohail, Muhammad Irfan, Owais Zia, Raza Hasan, Saad Nasim, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shahid Afridi, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Akmal, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz.

ODI: Ahmed Shehzad, Muhammad Hafeez, Nasir Jamshed, Asad Shafiq, Bilawal Bhatti, Haris Sohail, Misbah-ul-Haq, Muhammad Irfan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shahid Afridi, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Akmal, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Younis Khan, Zulfiqar Babar.

PTI