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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has added the names of three “high-performing” teenagers to its men’s national Test squad, interim head of the selection committee Shahid Afridi confirmed on Tuesday, granting an opportunity for the youngsters to learn from their seniors in Test cricket.
The three players are: all-rounder Arafat Minhas (Multan), top-order batter Basit Ali (Dera Murad Jamali) and right-arm fast bowler Mohammad Zeeshan (Faisalabad).
“We are not only looking at present but also have an eye on the future, Shahid Afridi, Chair of Men’s Interim Selection Committee said “In this relation, we have added three top-performers from our age-group cricket so that they can spend time with their stars in the national side and learn how to plan and prepare for high pressure matches.”
PCB Interim Selection Committee has added Arafat Minhas (Multan), Basit Ali (Dera Murad Jamali) and M.Zeeshan (Faisalabad) to the Pakistan Test squad with the objective of providing them international exposure and experience.
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“Although the three players will not be available for selection, this initiative will fast track their progress and provide them better awareness, understanding and knowledge about the rigors and demands of top-grade cricket,” he added.
Arafat Minhas was adjudged best all-rounder of the Pakistan Junior League when he scored 178 runs and took nine wickets for Gwadar Sharks, while Bahawalpur Royals’ Basit Ali was named player and best batter of the PJL with after finishing as the top-scorer with 379 runs. He also featured in the U19 series against Bangladesh in Multan in November.
Zeeshan, Basit’s team-mate at PJL, was declared the best bowler of the tournament with 14 wickets.