Umar Amin and Haris Sohail in PCB's radar after injury to Umar Akmal

Pakistan was dealt with a shocker of a decision just days after they had announced the squad for ICC Champions Trophy which is to be played in England this June. Pakistan’s top order batsman Umar Akmal has once again failed the medical test (fitness) and is expected to sit out of the tournament. The team management has already made their decision clear on who will replace the right-arm batsman in the squad.

Pakistan national team chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq on Monday said that the left-handed batsmen Umar Amin and Haris Sohail were being considered to replace the unfit middle-order batsman Umar Akmal in the Champions Trophy squad. Akmal was sent back to Pakistan after failing two fitness tests during the team’s preparation for the eight-team elite tournament in Birmingham.

Inzi speaks

“Amin and Haris have performed well in the domestic circuit and that is why their names are under consideration to replace Umar,” said Inzamam as quoted by Express News.

Additionally, the former Pakistan skipper also said that Akmal must be more careful with his fitness before a big tournament such as the Champions Trophy. The right-hander additionally also believed that the second of the Akmal brothers must focus more on his fitness and spend more time on improving his core strength if he wishes for a place in the Pakistani National squad.

Akmal’s fitness woes

“Umar was not able to pass two fitness tests so he is being sent back from England,” said Inzamam. “He needs to focus more on his fitness now.”

The former Pakistan captain also revealed that the right-hand batsman was deemed fit just before the ‘Pakistan Cup’ and his injury seemed to be a mystery for the team management.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan wasn’t pleased either and said, “He has failed two fitness tests during the ongoing camp there in England ahead of Champions Trophy,”

“So, since we have a policy not to carry unfit players, it has been decided to call him back and send a replacement. We have a deadline until May 25 so we are deliberating on the possible replacements,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Khan as saying.