Shan Masood replaces injured Fakhar Zaman in Pakistan T20 squad, Aamir Jamal and Abrar Ahmed get nod
- Planet Sport writer
- 15 September 2022
Pakistan have handed prolific batter Shan Masood a first Twenty20 call-up for this month's series against England.
Masood enjoyed a succesful overseas campaign with Derbyshire this summer, scoring 547 runs at an average of 45.58 in the Vitality Blast and also clearing the 1,000-run mark in just eight first-class appearances.
Now the 32-year-old, who has agreed to move to Yorkshire on a two-year deal, has been rewarded for his strong recent form with a place in the squad to face Jos Buttler's tourists and the subsequent World Cup in Australia.
The uncapped duo of Aamir Jamal and Abrar Ahmed are also included for the forthcoming seven-match series in Karachi and Lahore.
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Fakhar Zaman are not available to face England due to injury, but spinner Usman Qadir has been retained despite a minor role at the Asia Cup.
Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain lead an enviable pace attack in Afridi's absence.
Chief selector Muhammad Wasim said: "Along with Shan Masood, I want to congratulate Aamir Jamal and Abrar Ahmed on earning their maiden call-ups.
"Both Aamir and Abrar have been selected as we believe they have the skills, talent and potential to represent Pakistan at the highest level and I am hopeful if they get opportunities, they will perform strongly.
"Fakhar Zaman has also been rested from the England T20Is so that he can recover from the knee injury he sustained when he landed awkwardly while fielding in the Asia Cup final."
