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PCB selection committee announced Pakistan’s team for the first two of the five one dayers being played on home soil. Bangladesh squad arrives in Lahore as the smoke and ash settles down after the twin blast earlier last month rocked Lahore and forced Australians to postpone the tour. Bangladesh tour to Pakistan may pave way for further developments to help organize Asia cup and then the Champions Trophy in Pakistan later this year.

Pakistan’s so-called fast bowling spearhead Shoaib Akhtar has not been considered for the initial phase of the series despite he expressed high degree of interest to get in. He is appearing in front of a disciplinary committee on April 1, 2008 after which his future will be decided. ‘The bad boy’ should now mend his ways and serve the nation aptly. Pakistan team needs him but his non-cricketing attitude and poor fitness are his biggest woes. I hope he gets a chance in the last three ODIs to prove his worth.

Mohammad Asif is still struggling with his fitness and is out of the action. Umar Gul, however, finds himself in the squad after he had to cut-short the Indian tour due to an injury. The Openers Salman Butt and Nasir Jamshed look fit to show their caliber. Nasir has yet to prove his worth against the tougher sides but it is good that he gets oriented with international cricket by playing against minnows. Pakistan’s middle order looks solid in the shape of Captain Shoaib Malik, Younis Khan, Yousuf, Misbah, Kamran Akmal and Bazid Khan as the all rounders Afridi, Sohail Tanveer and Fawad Alam augment the team. Sohail Khan and Wahab Riaz have an opportunity to cement their place in the squad. Sarfaraz Ahmed is pushing Akmal hard which seems to be a healthy competition.

The series kicks off on April 6 at Lahore. All the five matches will be played under artificial lights which are always liked by the crowd. Pakistan can afford to do experiments as the series goes on but they should get a well balanced team at the end of the series.