Mohammed Amir and Sarfaraz Ahmed among the big names left out ahead of Zimbabwe series

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 22-man probables list for the upcoming some Zimabawe series and have left out veteran cricketers Mohammad Amir, Shoaib Malik, and Sarfaraz Ahmed. Experienced all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez, who still remains in a tight form, has been incorporated into the squad. Veteran pacer Wahab Riaz will join Hafeez as the only other veteran cricketer in the 22-man brigade. The incorporation of these cricketers will add "useful experience in the batting and bowling respectively, that will benefit the youngsters," Misbah said.

Pakistan, under head coach Misbah-ul-Haq, have named uncapped Abdullah Shafiq, of U-19 and Multan Sultans fame, in the squad. According to Misbah, the management wants to give a fair chance to youngers, like the 20-year-old Shafiq in the T20 format. The right-handed batsman Shafiq, who plays for Central Punjab, scored a hundred on his T20 debut after also having done the same in his first-class debut.

In light of the big names being left out, Misbah has attested "performance as the only criterion for selection" and also clarified that the "careers [of these veterans] are not over by any means".

Meanwhile, Rohail Nazir has been named as Mohammad Rizwan's back-up gloveman as Sarfaraz Ahmed has been left out. Just recently, playing against Sindh in the National T20 Cup, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain Mohammad Rizwan took a sensational catch in the outfield after running 40 yards from extra cover.

"With an eye on future and as part of the



succession plan, Rohail Nazir has been chosen as Rizwan's back-up wicketkeeper. Instead of Sarfaraz sitting on the substitute bench, it makes sense that he plays in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy so that he retains his fitness and rediscovers form for the tour for the longer and more demanding tour of New Zealand," Misbah said.

"Abdullah Shafiq has been rewarded for his tremendous potential and performance. He has been identified as a future prospect and, therefore, drafted into the squad as part of his development. Seniors like Shoaib Malik and Sarfaraz Ahmed have not been picked for this series, but I want to categorically state that their careers are not over by any means as performance remains the only criterion for selection. These are strategic decisions as Shoaib's absence will provide players like Abdullah Shafiq, Haider Ali and Khushdil Shah better chances of featuring in the upcoming matches.

"We have followed the same philosophy while leaving out Mohammad Amir and Usman Shinwari so that bowlers like Mohammad Hasnain, Musa Khan and Haris Rauf can get an extended run," Misbah added.

Pakistan and Zimbabwe are scheduled to play three ODIs, starting October 30, followed by as many T20Is.

Probables list: Abdullah Shafiq, Abid Ali, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Sohail, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Rizwan, Rohail Nazir, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Usman Qadir, Zafar Gohar, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Musa Khan, Shaheen Shah, Wahab Riaz