Amir left out of Pakistan’s WC squad

Pakistan speedster Mohammed Amir was left out of the 15-man preliminary squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, but has been included for their ODI series against England.

Amir was sensational the last time he played in England, picking up the player-of-the-match award in the final of the Champions Trophy 2017 as Pakistan beat India in the final.

As expected, Pakistan have included the teenage fast-bowling duo of Mohammad Hasnain and Shaheen Shah Afridi, each of whom were born since the turn of the century. "Hasnain has been selected due to his sheer pace and speed," said Inzamam-ul-Haq, chairman of Pakistan's men's selection committee. "He may not have played many ODIs but he has already made an impact by making the top batsmen hop and run in his brief career while also picking up wickets."

Experienced duo Shoaib Malik and Mohammed Hafiz were also picked for the coveted tournament although the latter’s participation is subject to fitness.

“Shoaib Malik and Hafeez have played in World Cups before, which makes them experienced and qualified to provide the required stability to the middle-order," said Inzamam.

Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Shinwari, and Yasir Shah are the other players named in a list of 23 probables to miss out.

Pakistan squad: Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk, c), Abid Ali, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shoaib Malik

ADDITIONS FOR ENGLAND SERIES: Mohammad Amir, Asif Ali