Pakistan, the hosts of the upcoming Champions Trophy have announced a 15-man squad that is strengthened with the comeback of Shoaib Akhtar. The Pakistani Selectors have also recalled Wicket Keeper Kamran Akmal who was dropped for the Asia Cup. Young wicket keeper Sarfraz Ahmed, who hasn’t made an impact with the bat has been dropped.
Pakistan will be missing the services of its premier batsman Mohammad Yousuf, who had opted out of the tournament as it was going to be held during the holy month of Ramadan. Yousuf had mentioned that it was not going to be possible playing cricket during the fasting period. His place has gone to the 27-year-old Bazid Khan, who has been in an out in the team since 2004. Also included in the Pakistani team is 22-year-old Khalid Latif, who is a former Pakistan Under 19 Captain. The good news for the hosts is the return of Umar Gul, who injured his rib cage during the Asia Cup recently.
Pakistan is going to play the opening game of the tournament which is against West Indies on September 12th.
Pakistan Squad for Champions Trophy : Shoaib Malik (Captain), Salman Butt, Nasir Jamshed, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul Haq, Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal (Wicket Keeper), Bazid Khan, Khalid Latif, Shoaib Akhtar, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul, Iftikhar Anjum, Abdur Rauf, Saeed Ajmal