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Azhar Ali, Umar Akmal recalled to Champions Trophy squad

Azhar Ali, Umar Akmal recalled to Champions Trophy squad
April 25, 2017

LAHORE (92 News) – The National Selection Committee headed by Inzamam ul Haq has selected a 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 to be played in England and Wales from June 1 to June 18.

The team has been selected keeping in mind the conditions and the recent performances of some players in domestic and international tours.

Azhar Ali making his comeback in the team looking at his good track record at English conditions, whereas Umar Akmal also makes a comeback after bringing considerable improvement in his fitness, and his performance in the ongoing the Pakistan Cup.

Young Shadab Khan and Fahim Ashraf are retained in the side to give the team variety in the shape of spin and fast bowling all-rounders, respectively. Chief selector Inzimamul Haq said that overall the team consists of experience and youth and the selectors believe that team will do well in the ICC event.

The Sarfraz Ahmed-led side will play warm-up matches against Bangladesh (May 27 and Australia May 29 at Edgbaston) before taking on India in its opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy at Edgbaston on June 4.

Squad: Sarfraz Ahmad (captain & wicketkeeper), Azhar Ali, Ahmad Shahzad, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Muhammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Shadab Khan, Immad Wasim, Muhammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Hassan Ali, Junaid Khan and Fahim Ashraf.