As I had mentioned a few days ago, there were no surprises in the Pakistan squad announced for the first 2 ODIs against Bangladesh.

The only difference between my squad and the PCBs was the inclusion of Rao Iftikhar instead of Yasir Arafat and the return of Bazid Khan to the squad. Khurram Manzoor, whom I had kept as a 3rd opener was let out after scoring a 50 in his only ODI against Zimbabwe 2 months back.

I know that Bazid did well in the recently held Pentangular Cup and was the 2nd highest run scorer of the competiton, but Khurram deserved some more matches after his lone appearance.

Bazid Khan, son of former Pakistan International Majid Khan, played 3 ODIs for Pakistan back in 2004-05. He played 2 ODIs against the touring Zimbabwe side near the end of 2004 scoring 12 and 0. His next ODI was mid of 2005 when he scored 66 against the West Indies in St. Lucia.

He hasn't played for Pakistan since.

Anyone notice the pattern of dropping batsmen for no reason at all?

Bazid dropped for over 2 years after scoring 66 in an ODI and now Khurram after a debut 50. I hope Khurram doesn't have to wait for another 2 years for his next ODI.

In more positive news, Umar Gul returns to the team after a long lay off with a back injury. He has played a few one-dayers in the ongoing ABN Amro Cup and seems to be fit enough. We can only hope that he doesn't break down again.


In the pace deprtment, Gul is joined by Sohail Tanvir, Rao Iftikhar, and this domestic season's leading wicket takers - Wahab Riaz and the latest pace sensation Sohail Khan.

Salman Butt and Nasir Jamshed will open the batting and the rest of the cast and crew comprises of the same usual suspects.

Both Mohd. Yousuf and Shahid Afridi are part of the 16 despite reports of Geoff Lawson demanding their exclusion.

Mohammad Asif is expected to be fit for the last 3 ODIs. I've heard that Asif is desperate to play so that he can convince the PCB that he is fit enough so that they clear him to play in the IPL.

There was no place for Shoaib Akhtar who is still facing disciplinary charges.

The Squad: Shoaib Malik (capt), Salman Butt, Nasir Jamshed, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Misbah-ul-Haq, Bazid Khan, Shahid Afridi, Fawad Alam, Kamran Akmal (wk), Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Umar Gul, Sohail Tanvir, Rao Iftikhar Anjum, Sohail Khan, Wahab Riaz.