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Top official Morel promises to bring a pre-season game here by 2020 to drive growth of the sport in the region | akistan’s selectors yesterday dropped opener Kamran Akmal from the 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy to be held in England in June but recalled his younger brother Umar.

35-year-old Kamran was part of Pakistan’s squad which won a three-match one-day series 2-1 in the West Indies earlier this month but managed scores of 47, 21 and nought.

The four-member selection committee headed by former captain Inzamamul-Haq included Umar in the squad after he was dropped for the West Indies series following failed fitness tests.

Former one-day captain Azhar Ali returned to the squad following his absence in the Caribbean limited overs series.

Inzamam said the squad was selected keeping in mind English conditions. “Ali is making a comeback in the team after looking at his good track record in English conditions, while Umar also returns after considerab­le improvemen­t in his fitness,” said Inzamam.

Pakistan take on India

Sarfraz Ahmad will lead the squad after replacing Ali as captain for the West Indies tour. Pakistan will play archrivals and defending champions India in their first Group B match at Birmingham on June 4 followed by matches against South Africa (June 7 in Birmingham) and Sri Lanka (June 12 in Cardiff).

Group A comprises of hosts England, Australia, New Zealand and Bangladesh. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals.

Sarfraz Ahmad (captain),

Azhar Ali, Ahmad Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malek, Umar Akmal, Fakhar Zaman, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Fahim Ashraf, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir, Junaid Khan, Shadab Khan.

 ?? AFP ?? Sarfraz Ahmad, who replaced Azhar Ali as captain of the ODI team for the West Indies tour, was named Pakistan’s captain for the Champions Trophy.
AFP Sarfraz Ahmad, who replaced Azhar Ali as captain of the ODI team for the West Indies tour, was named Pakistan’s captain for the Champions Trophy.
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