‘Inzamam never said Hafeez’s career is over’ – Sarfraz

“Mohammad Hafeez is an important player and is in our plans for the World Cup next year,” the skipper said. “We will include him in the team whenever it’s necessary. Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq never said that Hafeez’s career is over."

Last week, after naming the Asia Cup touring squad that omitted the 37-year-old former captain, Inzamam insisted that "Hafeez is a part of the 20-22 players that we are considering for the World Cup.”

The selection chief added: "We select players and we don't have any right to claim that anybody's career has come to an end."

Sarfraz, who is looking forward to his nation’s Asia Cup 2018 pursuit, is refusing to take any side lightly. “We will try to score a big total and defend it throughout the competition,” he added.

Pakistan will begin their Asia Cup campaign on September 16 against Hong Kong and will face rivals India on September 19.