|| CF DESK ||

Pakistan announced a 16-member squad for the three One-Day Internationals against the West Indies, which are scheduled to be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on 8, 10 and 12 June.

Babar Azam will lead the side, while Shadab Khan, who missed the Australia ODIs due to an injury, has returned as vice-captain.

PCB have decided to reduce the 21-player squad for the home Australia ODIs to 16 players and those left out of the squad from next month’s matches are Asif Afridi, Asif Ali, Haider Ali and Usman Qadir.

Saud Shakeel was not considered as he is scheduled to undergo a surgery for sinusitis.

Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Rizwan and Shadab Khan, who are presently playing in the English County Championship, will join the squad later.

“As the ODIs against the West Indies are part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 qualification, we have decided to give best chance to our side to collect maximum points and strengthen our chances of progressing directly for the pinnacle 50-over tournament,"

"We have retained the same core of players so they further establish themselves in the format. I hope this bunch will continue the form they gained from the Australia series, said Chief Selector Muhammad Wasim.