Injured Shadab excluded, Haris Sohail returns as Afridi announces Pakistan squad for NZ ODIs

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday revealed the roster for the One-day International series against New Zealand. Middle-order batsman Haris Sohail made a comeback, while all-rounder Shadab Khan was benched due to injury.

https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB/status/1610937324497412097

Shahid Afridi, chairman of the selection committee for the Pakistan Cricket Board, revealed the team at Karachi's National Stadium.

Pakistan vice-captain Shadab Khan was not taken into consideration for the team after breaking his right index finger last week in Australia, according to a PCB press release.

According to the board, wrist spinner Usama Mir and uncapped batter Tayyab Tahir were selected for the team due to their outstanding performances in the Pakistan Cup.

Haris Sohail and Shan Masood, who did not play in ODIs in 2019 and 2020, respectively, have been called back. In addition to being a member of the Test team, Kamran Ghulam is now playing in the ODIs for the first time.

The PCB said that fast bowler Haris Rauf, who had an injury during the first Test against England in Rawalpindi, has fully recovered and has been named in the lineup.

“However, Shaheen Shah Afridi, despite making good progress, has not been included as the selectors, in consultation with the medical panel, have decided to give him more time to reclaim complete fitness. He is expected to return to competitive cricket next month in the HBL Pakistan Super League 8,” it added.