NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s emerging batter Hasan Nawaz was on Sunday released from the national ODI and T20 squads for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka and the Tri-series following a run of poor form.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Hasan has been advised to return to domestic cricket and feature in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy to regain rhythm and confidence.
Opener Fakhar Zaman has been drafted into the T20 squad for the Tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, starting November 17.
🚨 FAKHAR ZAMAN BACK IN T20I.
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- Fakhar Zaman has replaced Hasan Nawaz for the Tri-nation series. p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->Y<!---->h<!---->x<!---->4<!---->v<!---->b<!---->W<!---->T<!---->4<!---->I
However, no replacement will be named for Hasan in the ODI squad for the three-match series against Sri Lanka, beginning November 11 in Rawalpindi, as Abdul Samad is currently representing Pakistan Shaheens in the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament.
Hesson urges focus on first-class cricket
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson confirmed after the team’s 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa that Hasan had been instructed to focus on first-class cricket to work on his game.
A PCB source said Hesson was not satisfied with the 23-year-old’s progress and felt the young batter needed more experience at the domestic level. Hasan has played only 12 first-class matches since 2023, having concentrated largely on white-ball formats.
The right-hander featured in the T20I series against South Africa but struggled to make an impact, and also failed to impress in the first ODI against the Proteas.
(With PTI Inputs)
