Pakistan announce squad for men’s Asia Cup 2023 & Afghanistan series
Head coach of the Pakistan Cricket Team, Inzamam-ul-Haq announces the squad for the men’s Asia Cup 2023 on 9 August 2023. Asia Cup 2023 is set to begin from 30th August form Multan Cricket Stadium Pakistan, where first match will be played between Pakistan and Nepal cricket teams.
Before the start of Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan will play the three match ODI series against Afghanistan in Sri Lanka from 22 to 26 August 2023.
LIST OF PAKISTANI PLAYERS SELECTED FOR ASIA CUP 2023 & AFGHANISTAN SERIES
| Openers | Middle Order | Wicketkeepers | Spinners | Pace All-Rounder | Pacers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abdullah Shafique | Babar Azam (captain) | Mohammad Rizwan | Shadab Khan (vice-captain) | Faheem Ashraf | Haris Rauf |
| Fakhar Zaman | Salman Ali Agha | Mohammad Haris | Mohammad Nawaz | Mohammad Wasim Jnr | |
| Imam-ul-Haq | Iftikhar Ahmed | Usama Mir | Naseem Shah | ||
| Tayyab Tahir | Shaheen Afridi | ||||
| Saud Shakeel (Afghan) |
Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, and Saud Shakeel have been named in the squad for the upcoming Afghanistan series. However, Shan Masood and Ihsanullah, both part of the squad that played five ODIs against New Zealand in April and May 2023, have been left out this time.
Faheem Ashraf makes a significant return to the side after a two-year absence, enhancing the team’s balance as a fast bowling all-rounder. His most recent appearance in the format was during Pakistan’s series against England in July 2021.
Tayyab Tahir secures his second call-up to the ODI side, with his initial selection occurring before the New Zealand series in January. His impressive performance in the Pakistan Cup 2022-23, where he emerged as the top run-scorer, paved the way for his inclusion. Notably, he recently struck a remarkable century, leading Pakistan Shaheens to a dominant 128-run victory over India A in the ACC Men’s Emerging Cup final.
Saud Shakeel, not part of the Asia Cup squad, boasts a record of five ODIs. His most recent appearance dates back to March 2022, when Pakistan triumphed over Australia by chasing down 348 with six wickets in hand in Lahore.
Shan Masood’s inconsistent scores have resulted in his exclusion from the selection, while Ihsanullah is undergoing a rehabilitation program under the supervision of the PCB’s medical panel due to a bowling elbow injury.
The team is scheduled to gather in Hambantota on 18 August, with players departing from Pakistan on 17 August. Those in Pakistan will undergo a three-day training camp at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore on 14, 15, and 16 August.
