Wasim in, Shoaib out as Pakistan name squad

It was a tail of mixed fortunes for two of the worlds' best-known pace bowlers as Pakistan announced their squad for the one-day series against New Zealand.

Wasim Akram, now 35 and thought to be close to retirement, is retained in the squad, while Shoaib Akhtar, 26, is omitted due to continuing concerns over his fitness.

Shoaib has been given an opportunity to impress however. He has been named as captain of a Pakistan Cricket Board team to take on New Zealand in a warm-up game. Chief selector, Wasim Bari, explained: "We are giving Akhtar more time to regain his match fitness as we want him to be available for the Test matches." "Players not considered for selection are definitely in the running to play in the tests.

"Wasim Akram has been included in the team because we believe he will come through soon. He is experienced and seasoned."

Inzamam-ul-Haq retains his place despite his suspension for two games by the ICC while Taufeeq Umar is also included after his Test debut century against Bangladesh.

Danish Kaneria is particularly unlucky not to be involved, though he is almost certain to be recalled for the Test series after 12-wickets in the Test against Bangladesh.

Intriguingly, Mohammad Zahid is also named in the PCB XI. He took 11 wickets on debut against New Zealand in December 1996 including 7-66 in the second innings. A back injury has since hindered his progress, but he will be a formidable proposition if he is back to full fitness.

Full squad: Saeed Anwar, Taufeeq Umar, Shahid Afridi, Younis Khan, Yousuf Youhana, Naved Latif, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Rashid Latif, Azhar Mahmood, Abdur Razzaq, Waqar Younis (Capt), Wasim Akram, Shabbir Ahmed, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, Saqlain Mushtaq and Shoaib Malik.