Reports: Pakistan likely to rest Hafeez, Malik, Sarfaraz, Imad for West Indies series

Pakistan are most likely to rest Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Imad Wasim and Sarfaraz Ahmed for the upcoming series against the West Indies if reports are to be believed. Pakistan are scheduled to lock horns with the Caribbean team in three T20Is and as many ODIs from Monday, December 13 to Wednesday, December 22. All the games will take place at the National Stadium in Karachi.

As per reports, the hosts are likely to announce the squads in a couple of days’ time. The Pakistan team is scheduled to reach Karachi on December 9 from Bangladesh. After spending a day in isolation and following a COVID-19 test, the players will take part in training and practice. Babar Azam and Co. are currently busy taking part in the two-match Test series on Bangladesh soil.

Mohammad Hasnain to get a chance

For the upcoming series, fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain may get called up, The News International reported. The young speedster was initially picked for the T20 World Cup in Oman and UAE. But he was left out of the final squad as Pakistan made three changes. Hasnain has done well in the Pakistan Super League as well while playing for the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led Quetta Gladiators.

Pakistan recently won the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh 3-0. Hafeez wasn’t a part of the series and pulled out in order to give youngsters a chance to shine. Iftikhar Ahmed, who was exceptional for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the National T20 Cup, was called up. Thereafter, Pakistan also won the opening Test by eight wickets at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.

In the meantime, West Indies have named the squads for the ODI and T20I series. For the 50-overs format, they have called up Justin Greaves, Shamarh Brooks, Gudakesh Motie and Odean Smith. Motie and Smith also got a chance in the T20Is. Both were integral parts of the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ team in the 2021 edition of the Caribbean Premier League.

The ODI series is West Indies’ fourth in the Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League from where seven teams will directly qualify for the mega event in India in 2023. The Caribbean team is currently in Sri Lanka where they are playing the two-match Test series.