Trio axed from team

LAHORE: Pakistan axed Asad Shafiq from its test team for the upcoming New Zealand tour yesterday, also omitting veterans Mohammad Amir and Shoaib Malik from the twenty20 squad as part of its goyoung policy in the short format.

Middle order batsman Shafiq managed only 67 runs in five innings in Pakistan’s 10 series defeat in England in August.

The twomatch series, which begins on December 26 in Mount Maunganui, will mark the beginning of Babar Azam’s tenure as Pakistan’s test captain.

Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan will be Azam’s deputy for the tests.

The tests will be preceded by three T20 internationals, but paceman Amir and veteran allrounder Malik will not be seen in action.

The touring party, which also includes Pakistan’s A team, will leave for New Zealand on November 23 and spend the mandatory 14day quarantine period in Lincoln. — Reuters