Pakistan has recalled former captain Azhar Ali and Umar Akmal in the 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy in England. Both batsmen were dropped for the One-Day International series against the West Indies after Pakistan lost 4-1 in Australia this year. Azhar also quit the limited-overs captaincy and Sarfraz Ahmed was made the skipper. Akmal couldn't pass the fitness test for the ODI series in the Caribbean, but chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq said the middle-order batsman has improved his fitness. Akmal had also impressed in the ongoing Pakistan Cup, Inzamam said in a statement. Azhar, who has batted at a strike rate of 75 in ODIs and scored 1,605 runs in 45 matches, will likely open with Ahmed Shehzad. Pakistan's new spin sensation Shadab Khan, has also been selected ahead of Yasir Shah after the legspinner's impressive Twenty20 and ODI series against the West Indies. Pakistan's selectors Tuesday also dropped opener Kamran Akmal. The 35-year-old Kamran was part of Pakistan's squad which won a three-match one-day series 2-1 in the West Indies earlier this month but managed scores of 47, 21 and nought. Inzamam said the squad was selected keeping in mind English conditions. "Ali is making a comeback in the team after looking at his good track record in English conditions, while Umar also returns after considerable improvement in his fitness," said Inzamam. Sarfraz Ahmed will lead the squad after replacing Ali as captain for the West Indies tour. Pakistan will play arch-rivals and defending champions India in their first Group B match at Birmingham on June 4 followed by matches against South Africa (June 7 in Birmingham) and Sri Lanka (June 12 in Cardiff). Group A comprises of hosts England, Australia, New Zealand and Bangladesh. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi finals. Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Ahmed Shehzad, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Umar Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Fakhar Zaman, Imad Wasim, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Amir, Shadab Khan, Shoaib Malik, Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz, Faheem Ashraf. — Agencies
