LAHORE: Pakistan yesterday dropped experienced but out-of-form batsman Younis Khan from the one-day squad for next month’s limited-overs series against Australia in the United Arab Emirates.
The Pakistan Cricket Board selection committee, headed by former captain Moin Khan, announced separate squads for the only Twenty20 international in Dubai on October 5 and the three subsequent one-day internationals.
The squad for the two Tests will be announced later.
Younis Khan, 36, has had an extended run of poor form in the one-day format, with his last hundred coming in 2008.
He later told reporters in Karachi: “I will make an important announcement on Friday,” leading to speculation his retirement from the one-day game may be imminent.
The most serious challenge for selectors was to find a replacement for off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, who was suspended from all international cricket after his action was found to be illegal.
Ajmal had almost single-handedly shouldered Pakistan’s attack in all three formats of the game and is still the number one bowler in the one-day rankings.
Left-arm spinner Raza Hasan replaces Ajmal, a step Khan said was taken after serious consideration.
“I am sure Hasan will do his best to replace Ajmal, which is not an easy task because Ajmal’s performances are great and it won’t be easy to fill his void,” he said.
Left-hander Umar Amin stages a comeback in both teams after being dropped from the team in 2013.
Pakistan’s Twenty20 squad also includes uncapped Saad Nasim, a leg-spinning all-rounder, while dashing left-handed opener Awais Zia is also recalled.
Pakistan and Australia play the only Twenty20 in Dubai on Oct. 5 while the three one-day internationals are in Sharjah (Oct. 7), Dubai (Oct. 10) and Abu Dhabi (Oct. 13). AFP
