Key points
- Muhammad Amir Khan named as replacement
- Shaheens tour England Lions in Abu Dhabi
- Series includes three T20s, five ODIs
KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed a change in the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the upcoming white-ball series against England Lions, which will be held in Abu Dhabi from February 20 to March 9.
Right-arm fast bowler Ali Raza has been ruled out after suffering a left knee injury. Following a detailed medical evaluation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), he has been advised to begin a rehabilitation programme.
Raza is currently undergoing recovery under the supervision of the PCB’s medical team at the NCA.
The selection committee has named Muhammad Amir Khan as his replacement for the tour. The 24-year-old pacer, who hails from Swat, is a right-arm fast bowler and can also contribute with the bat as a right-handed batter.
The tour schedule includes three T20 matches on February 20, 22 and 24, followed by a five-match 50-over series running from February 27 to March 9. All eight matches will take place at the Stadium Oval in Abu Dhabi.
Left-handed batter Shamyl Hussain will lead the Pakistan Shaheens in both formats, while former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been appointed mentor and team manager.
The coaching staff will include former Test cricketer Ijaz Ahmed Jr as head coach, ex-Pakistan international Mansoor Amjad as fielding coach, and former Test pacer Aizaz Cheema as bowling coach.
Pakistan Shaheens updated squad
Shamyl Hussain (captain), Abdul Samad, Arafat Minhas, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Salman, Muhammad Amir Khan, Rohail Nazir (wk), Saad Baig (wk), Saad Khan, Saad Masood, Sameer Minhas, Shahid Aziz and Sufyan Moqim.
Player support personnel
Sarfaraz Ahmed (mentor & team manager), Ijaz Ahmed Jnr (head coach), Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach), Aizaz Cheema (bowling coach), Mohammad Tahir (physiotherapist) and Usman Hashmi (performance analyst).
Pakistan Shaheens v England Lions series schedule
- 1st T20 – 20 February
- 2nd T20 – 22 February
- 3rd T20 – 24 February
- 1st 50-over – 27 February
- 2nd 50-0ver – 1 March
- 3rd 50-over – 4 March
- 4th 50-over – 6 March
- 5th 50-over – 9 March
