Bureau Report
Karachi: The national squad for the ODI and T20I series against Zimbabwe, starting from October 30 is likely to be announced tomorrow. Former chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq had decided to announce the squad after the National T20 Cup but he has resigned from his post. It is likely that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will announce the squad through a press release.
According to reports, 22 to 23 players for the ODI and T20I series may be announced. The intra-squad ODI matches are also being planned before the series.
Former captain Shoaib Malik will not be part of the squad while all-rounder, Faheem Ashraf, left-hander Khushdil Shah and uncapped Abdullah Shafiq will be included. Naseem Shah will also be rested as he was withdrawn from the National T20 Cup after complaining of a niggle in the groin. Musa Khan can be included in the squad in his place. Babar Azam will lead Pakistan for the very first time in ODI cricket. It must be noted that Pakistan and Zimbabwe will play three ODIs and as many T20Is. The ODIs will be played at the Pindi cricket stadium on October 30, November 1 and 3, followed by three T20Is at the Gaddafi Stadium on November 7, 8 and 10.
The Chevrons will be reaching Islamabad on October 20. They will spend a week in isolation from October 21 to 27.
