Adnan Akmal to replace Zulqarnain for Tests against South Africa

KARACHI - Pakistans cricket selectors have decided to replace wicket-keeper Zulqarnain Haider, who fled Dubai fearing for his life, with uncapped youngster Adnan Akmal for the two-match Test series against South Africa starting Nov 14.

Pakistan were left without a stumper in their 16-man squad when Zulqarnain flew off to London allegedly after receiving death threats from match-fixers.

Adnan is the younger brother of Pakistans regular wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, who is out of the national team after undergoing an appendicitis operation in Lahore last month.

The national selectors have also included all-rounder Muhammad Hafeez as a replacement for Danish Kaneria. Kaneria was part of the Test squad but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) refused to clear him for the Test series due to unknown reasons.

In consultation with the team management, the Selection Committee recommended and Chairman PCB approved the name of wicket keeper Adnan Akmal to join the Pakistan team in the United Arab Emirates for the Test series against South Africa,” said a PCB statement released Tuesday.

“Muhammad Hafeez will replace Danish Kaneria in the Test Squad and will remain with the team in UAE for the Test series, the statement added.