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In a big update, PCB has announced Pakistan's 17-member strong squad for the imminent Asia Cup 2023 and three-match One-Day International series against Afghanistan.
The 18-member strong squad will first compete against Afghanistan in Sri Lanka from August 22 to 26. Further this squad will be reduced to 17 members for the Asia Cup, starting at the Multan Cricket Stadium on August 30, where Pakistan will face Nepal.
Always strategic in their picks, the PCB has crafted a powerhouse team, merging seasoned pros with rising stars, aiming for an equilibrium that promises top-tier competition. This newly unveiled lineup is already fueling conversations, with cricket lovers evaluating the selectors' decisions.
Key inclusion and exclusion
Notably, Pakistan's star bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf has been preferred for the continental championship as Zaman Khan has been dropped for the Asia Cup.
Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, and Saud Shakeel have been selected for the upcoming Afghanistan series. However, Shan Masood and Ihsanullah, who were part of the team during the five-match ODI series against New Zealand in April and May, have been excluded.
After a two-year hiatus, Faheem rejoins the squad, enhancing its balance as a quick-paced bowling all-rounder. His previous appearance in this format was in Pakistan's three-game series against England in July 2021. Tayyab is receiving his second invitation to the ODI squad. He initially joined the team for the series against New Zealand in January, following an impressive performance in the Pakistan Cup 2022-23 where he emerged as the top scorer. Recently, the right-handed middle-order batsman played a pivotal role in Pakistan Shaheens' dominant 128-run victory over India A in the ACC Men’s Emerging Cup final by scoring a century.
While Saud isn’t a part of the Asia Cup squad, he has participated in five ODIs, with his most recent game being in March 2022 when Pakistan successfully pursued a target of 348 against Australia, losing only four wickets in Lahore.
Shan couldn’t secure a spot due to a series of low performances, and Ihsanullah is currently under medical supervision by the PCB’s health team due to a bowling elbow injury.
Pakistan squad for the Asia Cup 2023
Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam Ul Haq, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Saud Shakeel, Naseem Shah, Agha Salman, Shaheen Afridi, Tayyab Tahir, Usama Mir.
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