Pakistan T20I squad announced: Shehzad, Akmal return against Sri Lanka

• Ahmed Shehzad, Umar Akmal make their much awaited return.
• Shehzad last represented Pakistan in 2018, whereas Akmal played T20I back in 2016.

Pakistan national team’s head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq announced on Wednesday a 16-member squad for three T20Is against Sri Lanka in Lahore from October 5 to 9.

There are three changes from the ODI squad as Ahmed Shehzad, Umar Akmal and Faheem Ashraf joins the T20I squad, replacing the likes of Abid Ali, Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq.

Pakistan opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad last featured in a T20I in June 2018 against Scotland, while Umar’s last represented Pakistan in T20I back in September 2016 against the West Indies.

“We are trying to form a pool of players as the T20 World Cup nears, so we are checking the players where they can be utilized,” said Misbah. “Ahmed has performed pretty well alongside Umar Akmal, who has been performing exceptionally in all formats especially in T20 format.”

The chief selector and head coach said that they are looking at Iftikhar Ahmed as ‘utility player’ in the lower middle order. “We are looking at Iftikhar Ahmed as a utility player to fill in a gap where we don’t have an off-spinner against left-handers – also at the number 5-6 position he can play the role of a finisher which he has done for Karachi Kings.”

Meanwhile, Imam has been left out of the T20I side due to an injury in his left-hand, which he sustained while fielding in the second ODI against Sri Lanka on Monday.

Pakistan T20I Squad:

Sarfaraz Ahmed (captain), Babar Azam (vice-captain), Ahmed Shehzad, Asif Ali,  Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Umar Akmal, Usman Shinwari and Wahab Riaz

T20I Series schedule:

5 Oct – 1st T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

7 Oct – 2nd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

9 Oct – 3rd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore