The Pakistani selectors have once again provided a few mind boggling choices and raised a few eyebrows as they announced a preliminary squad of 22 for the forthcoming test series versus Sri Lanka. No less than 9 of the centrally contracted players are missing for one reason or another - Yasir Hameed, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Akhtar, Abdul Rehman, Rao Iftikhar, Wahab Riaz, Umar Amin, Samiull

The Pakistani selectors have once again provided a few mind boggling choices and raised a few eyebrows as they announced a preliminary squad of 22 for the forthcoming test series versus Sri Lanka.

 

No less than 9 of the centrally contracted players are missing for one reason or another - Yasir Hameed, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Akhtar, Abdul Rehman, Rao Iftikhar, Wahab Riaz, Umar Amin, Samiullah Niazi, Azhar Ali are the contracted players not to have made the preliminary squad which is intriguing in itself.

 

Whilst the majority of the squad provide fans with no surprises, there are a few choices that will certainly raise eyebrows and provide plenty of debate. The biggest surprise is the inclusion of Bazid Khan who has mustered only 132 runs in a total of 9 innings in the ongoing Quaid–e–Azam Trophy with a highest score of only 32. On what basis has Bazid been selected is anyone’s guess. No genuine form, no big scores – it really is a puzzling choice.

 

Faisal Iqbal is also recalled despite a rather average Quaid–e–Azam Trophy for PIA and once again suspicions of influential selections will be raised by those that follow Pakistani cricket closely.

 

Asim Kamal has been recalled after a lengthy absence despite being another batsman who has had a rather average Quaid–e–Azam Trophy. Perhaps his gritty technique and him being a left hander in the middle order may have got him the nod ahead of others.

 

Saeed Bin Nasir is rewarded for some consistent performances of late and is included in the probables squad, whilst Shahid Afridi who has not been in the best of form of late is given another opportunity.

 

Kamran Akmal and Sarfaz Ahmed will battle for the final keepers slot and Yasir Arafat is another who is awarded for some good performances of late at domestic level.

 

Whilst competition for bowling places was intense its still disappointing that Mohammad Aamer has been excluded but given his tender age will no doubt be given a chance in future. Rauf and the exciting young prospect Talha are chosen ahead of Aamer, as well as the expected selections of Sohail Tanvir, Umer Gul, Danish Kaneria, Saaed Ajmal and Sohail Khan.

 

Overall its a well balanced squad and the vast majority of players are fully justified selectionshowever with the aforementioned surprises .The final 15 will be selected after a 2 day warm up game against the tourists.