KARACHI, Pakistan (Reuters)
Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been recalled by Pakistan in a 15-man squad selected for a triangular series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in Sharjah from October 26 to November 4.

Akhtar, who has had a successful time with his domestic team KRL in the Patrons Trophy competition with bat and ball, was ignored by the selectors for the Asian Test Championship match against Bangladesh in August. He was also not included in the one-day squad for the series against New Zealand, which was cancelled because of the ongoing crisis in neighbouring Afghanistan.

"Akhtar has been bowling well in the Patrons Trophy. He has proved his match fitness. We just wanted to be sure about that," chief selector Wasim Bari told Reuters. "His return will strengthen the pace attack. We have directly announced the team on the basis of the performances in the ongoing domestic season since there was little time left before the tournament."

The squad contains no real surprises except for one new face in the middle order, batsman Naveed Latif. Besides Akhtar, young leg spinner Danish Kaneria is also rewarded with a place in the touring side.

The Pakistan players will be attending a national training camp at Lahore from October 15 under the supervision of new coach Mudassar Nazar before flying to Sharjah.

Squad: Saeed Anwar, Shahid Afridi, Taufeeq Umar, Younis Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Yousuf Youhana, Naveed Latif, Abdur Razzaq, Azhar Mahmood, Rashid Latif, Waqar Younis (capt), Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, Shoaib Malik and Danish Kaneria.

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