Pakistan drops Sarfaraz Ahmed for ODI series against New Zealand

Sarfaraz Ahmed as not been included in the 20-member Pakistan squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand.

Sarfaraz Ahmed has played in only one of the last 10 ODIs for Pakistan. - REUTERS

Pakistan dropped former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed on Wednesday from its 20-member squad for this month's three-match One-Day International series against New Zealand.

Sarfaraz, a wicketkeeper-batsman, has played only one of the last 10 ODIs — against South Africa at Centurion in April. Mohammad Rizwan has been Pakistan's first-choice wicketkeeper for more than a year.

“Mohammad Rizwan remains the first-choice wicketkeeper,” chief selector Mohammad Wasim said.

“We continue to groom young wicketkeepers who are fit and ready to step up when the opportunity presents itself.”

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Twenty-year-old wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris was named in the ODI squad as a backup for Rizwan. The other uncapped players include fast bowlers Mohammad Wasim and Shahnawaz Dahani, and leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood.

Middle-order batsman Iftikhar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah were recalled after both last played in the ODI series against Zimbabwe last year in Pakistan.

“We have continued to ensure that we give opportunities to high performing players while looking into the future so that we can develop a strong bench strength,” the chief selector said.

“Middle-order has remained our concern and, as such, after trying a few options, we have decided to give another run to Iftikhar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah.”

'Ample opportunities for everyone'

Besides Sarfaraz, the selectors dropped batsmen Haris Sohail, Salman Ali Agha, and Sohaib Maqsood from the team which last played an ODI series against England in July. “I know a few players will feel disappointed at missing out on the selection,” Wasim said.

“We have a busy season of cricket ahead, which means there will be ample opportunities down the line for everyone to put up strong performances and push their case for national selection.”

New Zealand will arrive in Pakistan on September 11 and will play the ODI series at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on September 17, 19, and 21.

Squad Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim, Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usman Qadir and Zahid Mahmood.