Pakistan Announces Squad for Afghanistan Series and Asia Cup

Mainul Islam

August 9, 2023

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Mainul Islam

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Pakistan Announces Squad for Afghanistan Series and Asia Cup

Faheem Ashraf's Return to the Fold

Allrounder Faheem Ashraf has made a significant return to a formidable Pakistan squad for the upcoming three-match series against Afghanistan and the subsequent Asia Cup. The squad was unveiled by selectors on Wednesday.

An Experienced Allrounder

Faheem Ashraf, aged 29, has earned his place back in the squad after his last appearance in one-day internationals in England in July 2021. The decision to include him was backed by chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq, who deemed his performances worthy of selection.

“Inzamam said in Lahore, ‘We have picked 18 players for the Afghanistan series and one less for the Asia Cup and Ashraf was the best pace-bowling allrounder available to us,'” highlighting the rationale behind the selection.

Leadership Under Babar Azam

Babar Azam will continue to lead the squad across both the Afghanistan series and the Asia Cup, providing a strong and consistent presence at the helm.

Fixture Details

The ODI series against Afghanistan is scheduled for August 22, 24, and 26, and will be held in Sri Lanka. Following this series, the Asia Cup is slated to take place from August 30 to September 17.

Hybrid Squad Strategy

Pakistan’s squad strategy includes the inclusion of middle-order batter Saud Shakeel after a year-long hiatus, specifically for the Afghanistan series. The squad aims to strike a balance between seasoned players and emerging talent.

Notable Exclusions

Former vice-captain Shan Masood missed out on selection this time, while pacer Ihsanullah’s absence is attributed to injury.

World Cup Preparations

Inzamam, who was recently appointed chief selector, expressed his aspirations for the squad’s preparation leading up to the World Cup in India, scheduled from October 5 to November 19. He emphasized that the selected players have also been chosen with an eye on the World Cup, with the collective goal of bringing accolades to the nation.

The Squad Lineup

The Pakistan squad for both the Afghanistan series and the Asia Cup consists of the following players: Babar Azam (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Agha Salman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tayyab Tahir, Usama Mir, Mohammad Nawaz, Saud Shakeel (only for Afghanistan series). This lineup reflects a strategic blend of talent, experience, and potential.

Last Updated: Aug 9, 2023