PCB snubs Afridi by ignoring Younis for ODI series against England

Lahore, Aug.25 (ANI): Speculations regarding former captain Younis Khan making a comeback in the one-day side were laid to rest, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selectors ignoring him for the forthcoming five match one-day series against England, despite skipper Shahid Afridi's call to include the veteran batsman in the team.

The selectors announced a 16-man team for the series starting September 10, retaining veteran middle order batsman Mohammed Yousuf in the squad.

While controversial speedster Shoaib Akhtar succeeded in earning a recall, all rounder Shoaib Malik, who was left out of the Test squad earlier because of his awful form, was axed.

The press conference, which was called to announce the Pakistani team for the series against England, saw Afridi openly confronting the selectors' decision to ignore Younis.

Afridi told media persons that he wanted Younis to be included in the squad but he was told that the right hand batsman is still to get clearance from the PCB.

"Even today I asked the chairman about Younis, but could not get clearance," The Daily Times quoted Afridi, as saying.

Responding to Afridi's remarks, chief selector Mohsin Khan said that Younis is yet to get a clearance from the PCB to play following the indefinite ban imposed on him by the board, besides there being some fitness issues with him.

"There are also fitness issues with him. Unless we don't get clearance we can't consider him," Mohsin said.

He said the team was announced after taking the coach, captain and the manager into confidence

" It is the most suitable combination to live up to expectations. And we have lot of hopes from them to put an impressive show," he added.

The Pakistan squad:

Shahid Afridi (captain), Salman Butt, Shazaib Hasan, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Yousuf, Azhar Ali, Umar Akmal, Kamran Akmal, Fawad Alam, Abdul Razzaq, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Aamir, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, Shoaib Akhtar and Wahab Riaz. Reserves: Sarfraz Ahmed, Asad Shafiq, Mohammad Irfan and Abdur Rehman. (ANI)