LAHORE: Retired all-rounder Imad Wasim has not been considered for the training camp at the army base in Kakul since March 25, local media reported.
According to details, the national selection committee is expected to announce a pool of around 25 players soon. The squad for the upcoming five-match home T20I series against New Zealand in April will be drawn from the same pool.
Imad, 35, is not on the roster as he has not withdrawn his retirement. Until he formally revokes his retirement, he cannot be considered by the selectors.
Remember Imad was named man of the match in PSL 9 final for his five wicket performance and batting. He also played a key role in Islamabad United’s victory over Peshawar Zalmi in the second Eliminator, scoring a match-winning unbeaten 59 for United, while taking figures of 3/12 in the first Eliminator.
On the other hand, batsman Usman Khan, who moved to UAE and played for Multan Sultans in PSL 9 as an overseas player, is likely to be invited to the camp.
He was named Batter of the Tournament, scoring 430 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 164.12. He also became the first batsman to score two centuries in a single edition of PSL.
However, Usman will decide for himself whether he wants to be a part of the camp or not. Usman has previously expressed his ambitions to play for the UAE, but he still has 14 months to qualify for the UAE squad. A decision on his inclusion in the Pakistan squad will be taken after his participation in the camp.
The likes of Mehran Mumtaz and Abrar Ahmed are also expected to be part of the camp.
Despite requests from former Pakistan captain Babar Azam and senior players to postpone the training camp due to the recent conclusion of PSL 9, the request was not granted. Babar and Imam-ul-Haq went to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah.
The training camp is expected to end on April 8, just before Eid-ul-Fitr.
