Pakistan announces Test squad for South Africa series; Hafeez dropped

Eurasia News

LAHORE: Pakistan on Saturday announced a 12-member squad for the upcoming Test series against South Africa, Twenty20 skipper Muhammad Hafeez was dropped from the tour while Misbah ul Haq was retained as captain for the series, Dispatch News Desk reported.

According to the Pakistan cricket selection committee, three players will be named after the three-day warm up game in Sharjah against South Africa.

Earlier, speaking to media after the launch of series logo, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Najam Sethi said that captains are named series-to-series everywhere in the world.

Sethi dispelled the impression that Misbah-ul-Haq was being removed as captain, saying it was not even discussed by selectors and coach.

“It is not difficult to change the captain. But do we have any replacement? Even the place of vice-captain is not certain in the team at that moment,” he remarked.

To a question, he stated that PCB was keen to resume international cricket in the country and that efforts are under way in this regard.

The Punjab government has assured complete security for international cricket, he said.