Pakistan Announces Asia Cup Squad
Pakistan has announced squads for the upcoming ODI series against The Netherlands and for the much-anticipated Asia Cup later this month.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, who missed the second Test against Sri Lanka due to injury, has been named in both squads. Babar Azam is set to lead both the squads.
Salman Ali Agha has also been recalled to the ODI team after he performed to expectations in domestic tournaments.
“We have only made changes that were necessary. Both the competitions are important for us and, as such, we have picked our best available players in consultation with the captain and head coach,” Chief selector Muhammad Wasim was quoted as saying.
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Fast bowler Hasan Ali is a notable omission from both squads with Naseem Shah named in his place.
“Hasan has been given a break from international cricket and he has been replaced by Naseem Shah. He is express fast and can give further impetus to the fast bowling department, which already boasts Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shahnawaz Dahani. Naseem has not played any international white-ball cricket, but he has demonstrated with the red-ball that he is an attacking option with good pace and controlled swing,” he stated.
“Salman Ali Agha has been recalled to the ODI side after he performed well in the past two Pakistan Cup tournaments, averaging 40.33 and 48.8, respectively. He also gives Babar Azam an additional bowling option,” Wasim added.
Another key name not featured in the Asia Cup squad is Shoaib Malik. A stalwart Shoaib Malik has been a consistent presence in Pakistan’s middle order in the shortest format of the game. His exclusion may well be an indication of Pakistan looking to future when it comes to their middle order batting.
The talented Haider Ali has been included in a pick that is sure to raise some eyebrows. Although the youngster has performed well at domestic level he is yet to translate that form on the big stage. Asia Cup where Pakistan are due to face India likely twice will be a solid test of his credentials.
Pakistan squad for Netherlands ODIs
Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani, Zahid Mehmood
Pakistan squad for Asia Cup
Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usman Qadir