Pakistan Cricket Board [PCB] has named a 16-men squad ahead of Pakistan’s tour of Ireland and England. Five uncapped players have been included in the squad including Imam-ul-Haq who scored a century on his ODI debut.

Fakhar Zaman, Saad Ali, Shadab Khan, and Usman Salahuddin are the other four players awaiting a Test cap. Zaman has played in 28 limited-overs matches for his country and smashed a brilliant century against India in the Champions Trophy last year. Saad is the leading run-getter in the Quaid-Azam Trophy, Pakistan's domestic first-class competition.

Yasir Shah was left out of the squad due to an injury. Fawad Alam, despite a brilliant run in the domestic circuit, also failed to make it to the squad.

“The World Cup next year is in England. So we’ve decided to call up several young players to give them exposure to those conditions,” chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq reportedly said.

“This is a great opportunity for us, particularly our batsmen, to gain experience in this conditions.”

Ireland will play their inaugural Test against Pakistan from 11-15 May before the sub-continental team take on England in Tests at Lord’s (24-28 May) and Headingley (1-5 June).