Mohammad Hafeez, unlikely to feature in Pakistan squad for World XI tour

For the first time in nearly nine years, Pakistan cricket fans have a season of cricket to look forward to after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and International Cricket Council (ICC) have agreed to a three-match T20I series against World XI to be played in September at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

The World XI team was chosen by Andy Flower, which has a combination of experienced T20 cricketers and young talent. Led by Faf du Plessis the team will feature the likes of current players Hashim Amla, Imran Tahir, Darren Sammy, among others. Veteran Paul Collingwood will also be a part of the squad. PCB chairman Najam Sethi announced a star-studded 14-member World XI squad on Thursday.

Hafeez’s inclusion remains uncertain

Where things look good on papers for World XI, Pakistan is likely to drop veteran batsman Mohammad Hafeez from the 15-member squad, sources close to the player informed geo.tv on Friday.

According to the sources, head coach Mickey Arthur wishes to try young talent and see how well they adapt to such conditions, which eventually means, Hafeez will have to make way for coming young talent and leaving his inclusion in doubt.

Hafeez has informed the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise St Kitts and Nevis Patriots about his availability for the remainder of the tournament, the source said. The 36-year-old left the tournament midway to attend fitness test at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. He is expected to rejoin the team soon.

Riaz’s exclusion confirmed

Meanwhile, the left-arm fast bowler Wahab Riaz’s exclusion from the squad is confirmed and he will leave for West Indies on August 27, where he will join Barbados Tridents for the remainder of the CPL season, the source added.

It will be interesting to see the players who feature in the 15-member squad against World XI as the expectations from the Pakistani team have been growing after they experienced a dazzling stint in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017.