Maaz Sadaqat called up as Pakistan release Sufiyan Muqeem from Tri-Series squad
MOHSIN ALI
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan have revised their squad for the ongoing ODI Tri-Series, releasing left-arm wrist-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem and adding young left-handed batter Maaz Sadaqat as cover.
According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the decision to release Muqeem was taken while keeping in view the nature of the pitches in Lahore. The spinner will now return to domestic cricket.
“Left-arm wrist spinner Sufiyan Moqim has been released from the Pakistan men’s squad, keeping in view the nature of Lahore pitches,” the PCB said in its statement.
“He will return to play domestic cricket,” the board added.
Muqeem, 24, has so far represented Pakistan in four ODIs, taking eight wickets. He has also played 22 T20Is, claiming 30 wickets.
Meanwhile, Sadaqat has been included in the squad as cover for players carrying minor niggles. He could be considered for the playing XI if required.
“Left-handed batter Maaz Sadaqat has been added to the squad as cover for players carrying minor niggles,” the PCB stated.
Sadaqat has featured in six ODIs for Pakistan, scoring 134 runs, including one half-century. In five T20Is, he has made 184 runs at a strike rate of 170.37.
Pakistan squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abrar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan and Maaz Sadaqat.
