Three uncapped players in Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka series; Javeria Khan dropped

Pakistan have announced their T20I and ODI squads for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka. Two uncapped players leg-spinner Tuba Hassan and wicketkeeper-batter Gull Feroza - have been included in the 15-member T20I squad. In addition to that, uncapped batter Sadaf Shamas has also been included in the 15-member ODI side. Javeria Khan has been left out as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) named the teams on Wednesday (May 18).



Both squads were finalised by the Pakistan chief selector Asmavia Iqbal in discussion with the head coach David Hemp and skipper Bismah Maroof. The players have been selected based on their outings in the pre-series camp that was organised at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre in Karachi and Southend Club from May 9. Additionally, the fitness, form and past performances were also taken into consideration while selecting the squads.



Asmavia talked about the promise shown by all the three uncapped players and how it led to their inclusion in the squads.



“I want to wish the two squads the very best for the series, we have provided opportunities to Gull Feroza, Sadaf Shamas and Tuba Hassan on the basis of their future potential and skills. The three youngsters took part in the emerging camp last December and made an impression with their talent. I am pleased to see their progress and we all feel it is now the right time to give them exposure of international cricket,” said Asmavia.



“We had sent Tuba as a reserve player in the recently concluded ODI World Cup, she continues to make good progress and since spin bowling has been a traditional strength of ours, I feel she can make a good contribution in our bowling strategy. Gull Feroza has also made good progress, she has an aggressive style of play and can provide us brisk starts in both T20Is and ODIs which are now a big requirement at the international stage. Sadaf besides her batting skills provides us a bowling option too with her medium pace skills.”



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Kainat Imtiaz has been included in the T20I squad after the surgery and recovery from a thumb injury she sustained before the World Cup 2022. Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal also has made a return to the side (both squads) after proving her form and fitness.



Uncapped Gull Feroza, Tuba Hassan in T20I squad © Women's Crizone

“For the rest of the squad, we considered the players fitness, form and their performances in the preparation camp where we played a number of practice T20 and 50-over matches. I believe we have two formidable squads for both T20Is and ODIs, both squads have good depth and most certainly have the pedigree to beat the Sri Lankan team in what should be an exciting series,” added Asmavia.

Pakistan ODI squad © Women's CricZone



The series is scheduled to kick-off from May 24 with the first of the three T20Is. The ODI series will start from June 1 and will be a part of the ICC Women’s Championship.



Schedule:



First T20I – 24 May



Second T20I – 26 May



Third T20I – 28 May



First ODI – June 1



Second ODI – June 3



Third ODI – June 5



* All matches will be played at the Southend Club in Karachi



** T20Is will start at 2:00 PM local time, ODIs at 9:30 AM local time