Inzamam drops Afridi, Shehzad, Akmal trio for Englad tour

LAHORE: Pakistan’s Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq on Monday announced the names of probable players for the upcoming England tour. Former T20 Captain Shahid Afridi, Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal's names are not included in the team.

In a news conference while announcing 35 names for the training camp, the chief selector said “Shahid Afridi, Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal were dropped over discipline issues and are unlikely to become part of the England squad.”

The training camp will be held from May 14 to June 4 in Kakul, Abbottabad.

Inzamam-ul-Haq said that the selection committee is totally independent. PCB can guide us but to take the final decision lies with us.

Those shortlisted include players from the Pakistan international and ‘A’ sides.

“We are scheduled to play only six or so T20s in the coming year so we thought it is better to give chance to youngsters,” Inzamam said. “In the meantime, Afridi will also get some time to rest and hopefully will regain his form.”

The selection committee has informed the PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan regarding the shortlisted players and it is likely that Afridi won’t be selected for the team’s training camp either, Geo News reported.

Pakistan will start their England tour with the first Test scheduled on July 16, which will be followed by three more Tests, five ODIs and T20.

When asked about Faisal Iqbal, Inzamam said "I am his Chacha (uncle) but his performance was not up to the mark during first class season.