Islamabad, Nov 21: The Pakistan Cricket Board today sprung a surprise by including Junaid Zia in the 15-member squad for the five-match one-day series against New Zealand starting on November 29. Zia, son of PCB chairman Tauqir Zia, was chosen from outside the probables list because of his good performance in domestic cricket, chief selector Aamir Sohail said.
His selection to play Bangladesh in four one-day matches two months back was roundly criticised by the local media.
"He was adjudged player of the series in Sri Lanka where Pakistan won the emerging team trophy. Also, he was one of the star performers of the inter-departmental qualifying tournament. In addition, the team management requested for his inclusion," Sohail said in PCB press release here.
The team also includes 'Rawalpindi Express' Shoaib Akhtar who, however, will sit out of the first two matches following a one test and two one-day matches ban by ICC for using abusive language in the Lahore Test against South Africa.
"This is the best combination we can offer to the team management. They were also consulted before the squad was finalised," Sohail said.
Bureau Report