Amir, Gul return as Pakistan announce squad for NZ T20s
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LAHORE: Pakistan recalled fast bowlers Mohammad Amir and Umar Gul in the 16-man squad for Twenty20 series against New Zealand later this month, chief selector Haroon Raheed announced on Friday.
Pakistan is scheduled to play three T20 and three one-day internationals against New Zealand, starting from January 15, 2016.
Amir will feature in the Pakistan team for the first time since the infamous spot-fixing scandal in 2010 that led to his suspension from the game for five years.
“But Amir's inclusion is subject to clearance by the New Zealand immigration authorities,” said Rasheed.
Yesterday, Rasheed backed the induction of the 23-year-old fast bowler, saying “there is always a difference between normal and extraordinary players”.
“We are not undermining other players and forcing him [back] but there is always a difference between normal and extraordinary players. We are not axing anyone to bring him in. They are all part of the circuit and part and parcel of our planning,” Rasheed said while talking to ESPNcricinfo.
The chief selector said Amir's all-round ability had given him an edge over other players.
Meanwhile, Gul, who last participated in the limited-overs game against Bangladesh this year but failed to impress selectors, has now again emerged on the scene by giving in extraordinary performance in the ongoing Quaid-i-Azam Trophy.
Shahid Afridi will lead Pakistan's campaign for the three T20s.
T20 Squad
- Ahmed Shehzad
- Mohammad Hafeez
- Sohaib Maqsood
- Shoaib Malik
- Umar Akmal
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Shahid Afridi (captain)
- Immad Wasim
- Anwar Ali
- Amir Yamin
- Sarfraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper)
- Wahab Riaz
- Umar Gul
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Saad Nasim
- Mohammad Amir
For the 50-over format, Pakistan recalled middle-order batsmen Asad Shafiq and Sohaib Maqsood in the squad while the left-arm quartet of Rahat Ali, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Irfan and Amir will form the fast bowling attack.
All-rounder Imad Wasim also made a comeback to the team after recovering from an injury he suffered before the recent England series in October last year.
The 27-year-old will play a pivotal role in the spin department along with Shoaib Malik in the absence of Yasir Shah who is has been provisionally suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after failing a dope test.
The three T20s will take place on January 15, 17 and 22, while the ODIs will be held on January 25, 28 and 31.
ODI Squad
- Ahmed Shehzad
- Azhar Ali (captain)
- Mohammad Hafeez
- Shoaib Malik
- Asad Shafiq
- Babar Azam
- Sohaib Maqsood
- Zafar Gohar
- Imad Wasim
- Anwar Ali
- Sarfraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper)
- Wahab Riaz
- Rahat Ali
- Mohammad Irfan
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Mohammad Amir
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (82) Closed
Jan 01, 2016 03:40pm
Good To see Umer Gul Is making Come Back Best of luck to him
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Jan 01, 2016 03:40pm
If you are convicted then its mean no visa... So amir sorry for you!
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Jan 01, 2016 03:42pm
How long will Haaris Sohail be injured for. Pak team missing his allrounder abilities big time.
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Jan 01, 2016 03:42pm
Balance Team selection from PCB !!!
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Jan 01, 2016 03:46pm
One opportunity too many for Shehzad, Akmal and Sohaib Maqsood despite their repeated failures. We could have tried some youngsters in their stead.
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Jan 01, 2016 03:46pm
Wisdom has prevailed.
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Jan 01, 2016 03:47pm
Congratulations Amir and Gul
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Jan 01, 2016 03:47pm
I wonder why Imran Khan is not even included in the squad! After Umar Gul, Imran is such a great asset.
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Jan 01, 2016 03:50pm
cant wait to see amir back in action...
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Jan 01, 2016 03:54pm
@Sheraz The law also states that unless exempted by competent authorities for Character Waiver.
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Jan 01, 2016 03:54pm
amir had infamous spot fixing scandal though every cricket lover wants him to be in action again.
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Jan 01, 2016 03:54pm
Why Saad, Sohaib and Rizwan? Have they done anything at all?
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Jan 01, 2016 04:03pm
why is Sohaib Maqsood there? He is a terrible batsman and an awful fielder
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Jan 01, 2016 04:07pm
Inclusion of Shehzad is not a wise decision of PCB. His technique is questionable against the quality pace attack of Kiwis in their home conditions.
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Jan 01, 2016 04:09pm
Where is the policy and real action about ZERO tolerance to CORRUPTION. What lesson PCB and Pakistan is giving....Do corruption, do treason, take bribes...then apologise,( few months in jail) and start doing all over again. AMIR should have been banned for life for international games representing Pakistan...Such ban would have been a lesson for all.
We are reflecting poor values.Pakistan will also face bad international press.
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Jan 01, 2016 04:14pm
Shoaib Maqsood is not international player in any form of Pakistan Cricket.
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Jan 01, 2016 04:14pm
Sharjeel Khan Should be included replacement of Sohaib
And Where is Irfan ???????????
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Jan 01, 2016 04:21pm
Sohaib Maqsood Does not Deserve To Be In The Squad For Both ODIs And T20 Given His Recent Outing!In Lieu Of Him In T20s,
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Jan 01, 2016 04:30pm
I see bad times for Pakistan Cricket. Talent has freezed it seems !!
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Jan 01, 2016 04:31pm
It's a great to see the inclusion of Mohammad Amir in Pakistan cricket team. He would be the future legend of Pakistan cricket like Imran,Miandad,Wasim,Injamam,Shoaib vhy already have.Now we will be waiting to see the renovation of Mohammad Amir second innings in cricket world.
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Jan 01, 2016 04:41pm
Well come back Amir. Another opportunity has been given to wipe whatever bad happen in past. You will need to work hard to cement your place, All the Best.
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Jan 01, 2016 04:42pm
I still don't get it!!! Whats the point in selecting world's worst ODI player Shafiq over and over again and again? He can and will never improve. Pathetic average and even more pathetic strike rate added to that extremely poor fielding capabilities and very low thinking shorter format player.
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Jan 01, 2016 04:47pm
AS a kashmiri from india i am a strong fan of pakistan cricket.In my openion there are few things pcb has done well... ist is that irfan has been rested in t20s he is a giant and need to play less games than the other fast bowlers .. 2nd thing inclusion of aamir in the team, since he has completed him punishment and has every right to represent his country. i would have loved to see Babar Azam in t20s in place of sohaib maqsood as he is best player available player among the lot of youngsters ...third is that comback of umer gull. he has worked hard and looks in good shape .. his experience will count for sure..... the only fault i see in the squad is SOHAIB MAQSOOD... he is a terrible batsman.. i don't understand what faith does the selectors have in him... i bet i can even play better than him...ha ha ha ha ..... and please PCB give imran khan a break.... he is a good bowler with a good pace .. he move around a bit
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Jan 01, 2016 04:48pm
My T20 Squad
Ahmed Shehzad
Mohammad Hafeez
Shoaib Malik
Umar Akmal
Imad Wasim
Shahid Afridi (captain)
Mohammad Rizwan
Anwar Ali
Wahab Riaz
Mohammad Amir
Umar Gul
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Jan 01, 2016 04:50pm
I am very optimistic, Amir will be given the visa to go to New Zealand.
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Jan 01, 2016 04:56pm
@For Pakistan I don't know what you are taking about. Amir is match winner. sorry to say you don't make any sense. However Sohaib Maqsood is bad selection. He doesn't deserve another chance. He has technical flaws and never took responsibility seriously.
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Jan 01, 2016 04:57pm
immigration authority ?? the offence was not related to something which immigration authority would deny.and if they did gov , icc amd pcb should take stand,as it would be a slap on them.
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Jan 01, 2016 04:57pm
Shahzad with st rate of 72 in odi is worst opener in the world...sami aslam would have been the best choice to open with sarfaraz...and azhar Ali.hafeez.maqsood should also be dropped forever from odi...can anybody tell me y they keep picking asad shafiq in Odi?????? Pathetic...where is Harris ????
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Jan 01, 2016 05:16pm
So basically this is the green light that will now allow future generation of players to get involved in illegal and corrupt activities.
After all, the worst that can happen to you is a five-year ban if you get caught in a country with a transparent legal system like the UK. But, if you are clever you will only fix matches in countries where the police is 'corrupt' too, and you will get away with it.
All this will do is give bookies and criminals further incentive to target young emerging cricketers.
I expect the PSL will be the first opportunity where we'll see such nefarious activity.
Today, the PCB has definitely hammered the final nail in the Pakistan cricket coffin.
Very sad day for hard working and honest cricketers and citizens.
My heart truly weeps at this decision.
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Jan 01, 2016 05:20pm
Good job by PCB to handle Amir as a special case. He was only 17 years old kid when he made mistake. and he must have learned a lesson with 5 years ban. Wish him Best for future !!
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Jan 01, 2016 05:27pm
@Nasir I am not in favour of Ahmed Shahzad either! Wasting a spot for him.
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Jan 01, 2016 05:29pm
So excited to see Amir back in action ... It will be a great answer and slap on the faces of those who are against of him ...
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Jan 01, 2016 05:39pm
Amir is a legend and he has paid his dues. New Zealand should not have any objections.
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Jan 01, 2016 05:39pm
@Tauseefain I think Amir already slapped us in the face when he took corrupt payments and bowled deliberate no-balls.
Then he denied it, but was found guilty by the ICC. That was another slap in the face of Pak cricket supporters.
He then refused to accept the ICC verdict and appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sports. They too found him guilty. This would be the third slap on our faces.
He was then about to be convicted in a criminal trial in the UK; but in order to get a shorter sentence he finally pleaded guilty. That was the fourth slap we received.
So given the number of slaps we have already received from the Amir saga, another one doesn't really hurt us anymore.
The first slap is always the hardest and defining one - the rest of them you become immune to.
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Jan 01, 2016 05:41pm
@For Pakistan I see there are few moral and sane people still living in Pakistan. Zero tolerance policy of PCB - my foot. Excellent lesson for young generation; do all illegal and immoral deeds and you'll be alright in Pakistan society. Three cheers for that!!!
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Jan 01, 2016 05:43pm
Amir show it to those who were against you that you have the guts to bring yourself in the good eyes of the Pakistani crowd.
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Jan 01, 2016 05:44pm
@Sheraz It depends on the sentence awarded and cases which are comparable to misdemeanour with one year or less punishment is usually considered to be minor in nature and may not make one automatically ineligible for visitors visa. There is a dissertation for the visa officer and I am highly doubtful that Muhammad Amir while he is representing his country for an official visit will be denied for the visa.
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Jan 01, 2016 05:54pm
It is wrong to bring back ex-con. It will put undue pressure on other playrs and their performance as media world will be making lot of bad comments. I hope, New Zealand refoses visa to Aamir.
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Jan 01, 2016 05:58pm
Amir's inclusion is Good or Bad, will he get Visa for NZ????
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Jan 01, 2016 06:08pm
On Amir issue..PCB is behaving very immature...Before making the whole country hyper they should have first checked the visa and other issues...and the PCB officials should stop making statement after statement...Haroon Rasheed is saying this this and this..Waqar Younis is saying this this this..The chairman PCB is making his own statements...the players are giving ultimatums will play and not play with Amir..please stop all this and focus on the quality of the whole team...
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Jan 01, 2016 06:09pm
On one side we have New Zealand batsmen who are regularly scoring at a strike rate of 200+ and on the other hand, Haroon Rashid is in love with Asad Shafiq's strike rate of 60 and average of 24 even after playing 50 ODIs. It is really a shame that we retain Asad Shafiq and Haroon Rashid.
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Jan 01, 2016 06:12pm
What non sense ... No visa if convicted ... There's is no rule liked that...
Secondly we really need to think is gul really a bowler or just runner
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Jan 01, 2016 06:13pm
Wow...Mohd Amir..the new hope for Pakistan..
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Jan 01, 2016 06:26pm
The only good news in this team is Amir, Zafar Gohar and Imad. Rest all AVERAGE ES, , some awful fielders, sure to loose wherever they go. Not excited with this selection. Sorry.
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Jan 01, 2016 06:26pm
congrat's Amir for being inducted in the squad
Give ur best and it will be the best answer to ur opponents.
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Jan 01, 2016 06:35pm
@For Pakistan God you self righteous people! ICC deemed 5 years punishment sufficient taking into consideration all relevant factors namely his age, nature of transgression etc and you my esteemed fellow citizen deem it not enough. How on earth do you assume a higher moral ground? Let the lad play please. Thanks
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Jan 01, 2016 06:50pm
The first good news of 2016.
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Jan 01, 2016 06:52pm
Many many thanks Haroon Raheed
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Jan 01, 2016 07:21pm
Yess...!!! Gul Dozer !!!!!!!
He is a very tactical and good choice for New Zealand. I am diasppointed he was not there in the world cup as he could have done some damage. Never mind, onwards and upwards.. hope he can replicate his nest figures of T20 again for us.
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Jan 01, 2016 07:48pm
Everyone has said it, but why Maqsood.
Asad good test match player, why one day? Unless you want him to score 40 not out in 40 overs.
Shahzad if only he had a brain, Akmal if only he thought about were to hit the ball, before he hit it.
Stop going back, people looking back never move forward.
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Jan 01, 2016 08:25pm
Welcome back Aamir, Gul. Best of luck!
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Jan 01, 2016 08:29pm
His inclusion will be the basis of grouping in team. Write my words.
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Jan 01, 2016 08:39pm
He has to say he was in jail. Once in jail ND does not issue visa more so if you are involved in cheating.
He is a cheat who has brought dishonor to Pakistan.
Please confine him to domestic cricket
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Jan 01, 2016 08:41pm
What is this visa issue
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Jan 01, 2016 08:42pm
Dear Readers , Debate about talent ,national honor, and dignity is over.
The immense talent of an individual has not only overcome all ethics and logic . That individual has not only gain support and sympathy, but become "Darling " of the majority of fans and ex cricketers all over the world. I still believe that national Pride comes before talent . But decision is made. Now I have to support my team. I wish all the team. Amir, You got the second chance ,what Atta urRehman ,Saleem Malik, Azhar ruddin and many never got , and may be Asif and Salman will never get . We do not expect miracle in field from You, but We must expect from You to work with in and promote the culture of" Hard Work ,Honesty and Pride' established by Misbah and Co.
Hafeez and Azhar , We are proud of You. You stood for what is just and You believe in
I salute You.
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Jan 01, 2016 08:50pm
Though i don't watch or have interest in cricket that much but i must say he should have not given a second chance. Just checked out BBC website, see for yourself how international media is still labeling him as "Spot-Fixer". His criminals offence might not be that extreme in nature but he play with millions and billions of cricket's lover heart' thus should not be forgiven. He will be always remembered as Spot Fixer in the eyes of the world.
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Jan 01, 2016 08:58pm
@Philosopher (from Japan) No difference, grouping is already there...
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Jan 01, 2016 09:15pm
Wahab Riaz, Mohammed Irfan and Mohammed Amir. This is insane and I love it.
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Jan 01, 2016 09:24pm
@For Pakistan what have you done to speak against the corrupt government in Pakistan?
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Jan 01, 2016 10:30pm
We want this chap in the team
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Jan 01, 2016 10:41pm
Luckless Fawad Alam.......
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Jan 01, 2016 11:13pm
Why pcb chooses him in such a hard tour this tour is not easy he needed few home series to gain his confidence pcb throwing him in front of wolves if he made it he be great bowler. The way batsmen behaving be a pacer in pak team is like riding horse bareback with hemroids.
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Jan 01, 2016 11:19pm
good job PCB. For ocne you seem to be making the right decisions.
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Jan 01, 2016 11:30pm
Thats a great news..it ll be a lethal comeback
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Jan 01, 2016 11:52pm
Difficult to understand Asad Shafique in the ODI team. He is only good for test cricket. Umer Akmal in his place makes sense. Big question mark on Shahzad. Sohail Maqsood suddenly finds favor. Remember Umer Akmal is a superb fielder.
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Jan 02, 2016 12:22am
Disagree with Umer Gul's return.
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Jan 02, 2016 12:39am
Extremely happy to hear the news that Amir is back
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Jan 02, 2016 12:59am
@Sheraz He will be getting visa,so I have to feel sorry for you.It should break your heart indeed.
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Jan 02, 2016 01:02am
@Burag Nobody is perfect in this world ,we all make mistakes and don't even end up in prison.That doesn't makes us perfect.He is done with same and let him live his life fresh.You and me have no rights to keep reminding them again and again.Let them play unless you are jealous of Amir.
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Jan 02, 2016 01:31am
This should be T20 bowling lineup Amir, Gul, Anwar Ali, Imad Wasim, Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik as 6th bowler.
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Jan 02, 2016 02:04am
If I were a young good player, I will certainly have more chances to making money!
I can fix matches, and if caught and/or alleged of match fixing, first deny and then contest it all the way. If in the end, I am convicted and left with no other recourse, then I would get another life at that when re-inducted into the team. The old cycle may begin again towards the end of my career as money makes the mare go!
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Jan 02, 2016 02:18am
Where are fahad alam supporters, I think they may have gone with sarfraz, both are pathetic players. In this team, I just see few good players, Imad Wasim, Saad Nasim and Anwar Ali, all others sound expired or incapable of doing their job.
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Jan 02, 2016 05:10am
NZ is never an easy tour. The gusty winds shake even the best batsmen around. Let's see if Amir turns out to be par average or just an average bowler.
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Jan 02, 2016 05:37am
Mr. Haroon Rashid, a very simple question: what makes you select ASAD SHAFIQ with his 58 matches average of 25 and SR in 60s and not Fawad Alam with average of 40 and SR in 70s?
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Jan 02, 2016 05:41am
@abdul Majid , he has got the visa now
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Jan 02, 2016 05:51am
Not selecting Sharjeel and Irfan in T20 Squad is a sin. Neglecting Sharjeel after good showing against England A? Why?. Likewise, selecting Asad Shafiq and not Fawad Alam in the ODI squad can in no way be defended.
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Jan 02, 2016 08:10am
guls last chance
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Jan 02, 2016 08:55am
Why is there no Mohammad Irfan in t20is? Why would you go with Zafar Gohar in t20is Mr. Shahid Afridi. Gohar is a total jerk and doesn't knoe how to do anything, bowl or bat. Plus why would you put ifthikar ahmed when he already failed as a batsmen. Azhar Ali has no common sense either for puting Babar Azam in the odi squad. Why can't you put someone like anwar ali who is great in batting as he did against sri lanka as Pakistan won the 2nd t20i by an incredible one wicket. Imaad wasim was a good choice which was probably the only good player they chose.
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Jan 02, 2016 09:15am
No room for Zulfiqar Babar? I thought he was good substitute to Yaser Shah.
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Jan 02, 2016 02:21pm
T20 squad is worst. Amir in for tall irfan
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Jan 02, 2016 02:22pm
Rafatullah the fit, where is he
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Jan 03, 2016 05:27am
Mohd Irfan should play basket ball,he will be a good player and also make good money
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