Pakistan Shaheens squad started their training camp ahead of the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe.
Under the leadership of Test cricketer Imran Butt, Pakistan Shaheens will play two four-day and six 50-over games against Zimbabwe in their backyard.
15 out of 16 squad members alongside four reserves reported to head coach Aizaz Cheema in the camp which commenced in Karachi's National Stadium. Quetta-born wicketkeeper batter Haseebullah didn't report to the camp due to the demise of his close relative.
According to the team manager, the cricketer will join the team within two days.
On the opening day of the camp, players did batting and bowling practice alongside fielding drills.
Speaking to the media before the camp started, Cheema said he is excited to coach a young bunch of cricketers.
"I am really excited to work with this talented bunch of players. I have worked with them in domestic cricket and they all are a great talent," said Cheema who played seven Tests, 14 ODIs and five T20Is for Pakistan.
"It is a great opportunity for me as well as for these players. More importantly, Shaheens is a platform for youngsters especially to make it to the main team," he added.
Pakistan Shaheens squad contains Test cricketers Imran, Mir Hamza and international cricketers Shahnawaz Dahani and Hussain Talat.
Squad
Imran Butt (captain) (Lahore), Hussain Talat (vice-captain) (Lahore), Aamir Jamal (Islamabad), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Quetta), Haseebullah (Quetta), Kamran Ghulam (Peshawar), Mehran Mumtaz (Rawalpindi), Mir Hamza (Karachi), Mohammad Huraira (Sialkot), Mubasir Khan (Islamabad), Muhammad Umar (Karachi), Omair Bin Yousuf (Karachi), Qasim Akram (Lahore), Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper) (Islamabad), Sahibzada Farhan (Peshawar) and Shahnawaz Dahani (Larkana).
Reserves: Asif Mehmood (Hyderabad), Athar Mehmood (Gujranwala), Saad Khan (Hyderabad) and Waqar Ahmad (Peshawar) (all reserves)
Tour schedule:
3-6 May – 1st Four-day match; KSC, Kwekwe
10- 13 May – 2nd Four-day match; MSC, Mutare
17 May – 1st 50-over match; TSC, Harare
19 May – 2nd 50-over match; HSC, Harare
21 May – 3rd 50-over match; HSC, Harare
23 May – 4th 50-over match; OH, Harare
25 May – 5th 50-over match; HSC, Harare
27 May – 6th 50-over match; HSC, Harare