Kamran, Malik back in the fold

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) selection committee has yet again recalled seasoned all-rounder Shoaib Malik and veteran wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal for the forthcoming ICC World Twenty20. Fast-bowler Mohammad Talha, who put on an impressive show during the Sharjah Test against Sri Lanka, was the other player to make his way into the side for the mega tournament. Middle-order batsmen – Umar Amin and Harris Sohail – and fast-bowler Anwar Ali, who was part of the Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka in the UAE, have been dropped. Fast-bowler Mohammad Irfan, who missed the home series against Sri Lanka due to a hip injury and underwent rehabilitation, failed to regain fitness. “Irfan’s injury has recurred,” PCB selector Saleem Jaffar told The Express Tribune. “After a thorough assessment, our medical panel advised a few more weeks of rest.” Kamran, Malik return Jaffar said players with a good domestic performance were preferred for the two tournaments. Among them is Kamran who was dropped from the national team after failing in the ICC Champions Trophy. The wicket-keeper, who has played in 53 Tests, 154 One-Day Internationals (ODI) and 50 Twenty20s, put on a good show during the domestic tournaments. “Kamran is highly experienced and has performed well recently,” said Jaffar. “The idea is that he can be utilised as an opener because captain [Mohammad Hafeez] demanded an explosive batsman. Kamran’s performance in domestic events has proved he can be lethal as an opener.” Kamran, while speaking to The Express Tribune, said he will give his best to help the team. “I played an important role when we won the World T20 [in 2009] and I am looking for a similar show. “I can perform at my best as an opener but I am ready to perform at any position as per the team’s requirement.” Malik, who returned from the South Africa tour last November after aggravating his hand injury, was also paid for his ‘good show’ at the Faysal Bank T20. The former captain scored 144 runs from five matches while leading the Sialkot Stallions. Alam in, Shafiq out for Asia Cup Struggling batsman Asad Shafiq and Harris were dropped for the Asia Cup in favour of Talha and Fawad Alam — who was finally rewarded for his consistent run in the domestic circuit. Alam, who last played for Pakistan in a T20 match against New Zealand in December 2010, was delighted at being recalled. “I never lost hope and continued the hard work,” said the 28-year old batsman. “I am thankful to the selectors and the team management for recognising my domestic performance. I am in good form and aiming to strengthen our middle-order batting.” The PCB also announced that the national training camp for the Asia Cup will begin from February 17 in Lahore ahead of the team’s departure on February 22. The Asia Cup, featuring five teams, will run from February 25 to March 7 followed by the World Twenty20 that is scheduled between March 16 to April 6 in Bangladesh. World Twenty20 Mohammad Hafeez (captain), Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Saeed Ajmal, Umar Gul, Sharjeel Khan, Sohaib Maqsood, Junaid Khan, Bilawal Bhatti, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Akmal, Zulfiqar Babar, Mohammad Talha, Kamran Akmal, Ahmed Shehzad Asia Cup Misbahul Haq (captain), Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Sharjeel Khan, Shahid Afridi, Umar Akmal, Sohaib Maqsood, Fawad Alam, Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Junaid Khan, Umar Gul, Anwar Ali, Bilawal Bhatti, Mohammad Talha Published in The Express Tribune, February 15th, 2014.