No player can play for extended period: Chief Selector

Pakistan Chief Selector, Haroon Rasheed, shed light on their squad selection strategy for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.

While talking to the media, the chief selector, stressed that no player can maintain peak performance indefinitely or can play for a longer period of time. He cited examples of former cricketers Azhar Ali and Mohammad Yousuf, who initially faced challenges but eventually found their rhythm.

"No player can play for an extended period. Even big players like Azhar Ali or Mohammad Yousuf didn't perform well initially. It will take some time for new players to settle and make their place. Players like Mohammad Huraira can fill the spot of big players like Azhar Ali," he said.

Furthermore, the 70-year-old also emphasized on nurturing junior players and adding Kamran Ghulam to the squad, as he believes that younger talent requires more attention and exposure for future tours.

"Juniors are receiving more attention for upcoming tours. We are also working on our back-up strength. Kamran Ghulam will also be included in our future plans " he further added.

Addressing concerns about the absence of key players, the chief selector revealed that left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi, who was sidelined due to injury, will be bowling more overs to regain full fitness. Moreover, they have requested the county to arrange a three-day match for Afridi, considering it crucial for his readiness for the upcoming World Cup.

Pakistan will assemble in Karachi on 3 July for a camp ahead of their departure for Sri Lanka on 9 July. The itinerary of the tour will be announced by Sri Lanka Cricket in due course. Pakistan and Sri Lanka last played a Test series in July 2022 that was drawn 1-1.

Fast bowler Shaheen Afridi returns to Pakistan’s Test squad for the two-match away series against Sri Lanka next month. The men’s national selection committee has also included uncapped batter Mohammad Huraira and all-rounder Aamir Jamal in the 16-strong squad for what will be Pakistan’s first assignment in the third cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.

Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vc & wk), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi and Shan Masood