The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the squads poised to command the forthcoming Afghanistan ODI series and the prestigious Asia Cup. The fervor surrounding these selections underscores the PCB’s deliberate approach to fortify the national lineup for these high-stakes cricketing encounters.
The Squad
The squad was unveiled by chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq in a press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium.
The squad includes Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmad, Inam-ul-Haq, Muhammad Haris, Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Rizwan, Muhammad Waseem Jr, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Tayyab Tahir, Usama Mir, and Captain Babar Azam.
🚨 Our squad for the Afghanistan series and Asia Cup 🚨
Read more: https://t.co/XtjcVAmDV7#AFGvPAK | #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/glpVWF6oWW
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 9, 2023
Openers: Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq
Middle order: Babar Azam (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Tayyab Tahir and Saud Shakeel (only for Afghanistan series).
Spinners: Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Mohammad Nawaz and Usama Mir
Pace all-rounder: Faheem Ashraf
Wicketkeepers: Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Haris
Pacers: Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi
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Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf and Saud Shakeel have been included in the squad for the Afghanistan series.
Shan Masood and Ihsanullah, both of whom were part of the squad that competed in five ODIs against New Zealand in April and May, have not been included this squad.
Faheem returns to the side after two years and further adds to the balance of the side as a fast bowling all-rounder. His last outing in the format was during Pakistan’s three-match away series against England in July 2021.