Here Is Why Umar Akmal And Ahmed Shehzad Are Back In Reckoning

Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad have been named in the list of 20 probables that Chief Selector cum Head Coach Misbah-ul-Haq announced yesterday for the series against Sri Lanka. So, here is a look at why the two batsmen are back in reckoning and why they shouldn’t be.

Read: Misbah-ul-Haq Likely To Make These Changes Against Sri Lanka

Why Pick Them Again?

Hard hitting batsmen like Fakhar Zaman and Asif Ali haven’t been too impressive during the last few months. Moreover, Shoaib Malik has called it a day from ODI cricket and seems to be seriously out of form. Mohd. Hafeez too hasn’t really delivered during the last few months. Hence, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to go back to the batsmen who recently have had a good Pakistan Super League (PSL) season and who have plenty of international experience behind them.

Read: Why Wahab Riaz Didn’t Openly Retire From Test Cricket

Why They Should Not Have Been Picked?

Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad have had quite a few chances at the international level and neither of them has really lived up to the expectations, so far. Furthermore, they have been involved  in far too many controversies ever since making their debuts. Thus, going back to them is certainly like inviting unwanted trouble both on and off the field.

Read: Pros And Cons Of Having Waqar Younis In Pakistan’s Dressing Room

Will They Make It To The Final Squads

Pakistan apparently want to give rest to Fakhar Zaman who is still recovering from an injury. So with Shoaib Malik and Mohd. Hafeez not available as well; Umar Akmal is almost certain to be selected as a middle order batsman. With openers Abid Ali and Imam-ul-Haq also part of the probable list, Ahmed Shehzad too might feature as a third opener in the final T20 and ODI squads.