Inzamam-ul-Haq, the head of Pakistan’s national men’s selection committee, has revealed the thrilling squad for the upcoming ACC Men’s Asia Cup and a high-stakes three-match One-Day International series against Afghanistan.
Anticipation is building as an 18-player powerhouse prepares to face off against Afghanistan in Sri Lanka from August 22 to 26.
This formidable team will later be trimmed to 17 players as the action-packed Asia Cup kicks off at the iconic Multan Cricket Stadium on August 30, featuring an exhilarating clash between Pakistan and Nepal.
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The sensational return of all-rounder Faheem Ashraf injects new energy into the squad. Ashraf’s triumphant comeback to the ODI arena follows a hiatus since the gripping away series against England in July 2021.
However, opener Shan Masood’s journey takes a different turn as he misses out due to a series of disappointing performances. A significant shift is in progress due to Ihsanullah’s absence.
The dedicated player is diligently recovering from an elbow injury under the careful supervision of PCB’s esteemed medical panel. Making his mark is rising star Tayyab Tahir. Tahir’s standout performances in domestic cricket have earned him this coveted opportunity.
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It is a triumphant return for Tahir, who had previously caught the selectors’ attention ahead of the three ODIs against New Zealand in January, following a commanding display in the Pakistan Cup 2022-23.
His remarkable achievements, including a stunning century that led Pakistan Shaheens to a resounding 128-run victory over India A in the ACC Men’s Emerging Cup final, remain fresh in memory. Among the roster, Saud Shakeel emerges as a pivotal asset.
With five ODIs under his belt, his latest feat was a successful chase against Australia in Lahore, where Pakistan secured victory with six wickets to spare while chasing down 348.
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The formidable lineup takes shape like a symphony of cricketing excellence:
Openers: Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, and Imam-ul-Haq
Middle order: Captain Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Tayyab Tahir, and Saud Shakeel (exclusive to the Afghanistan series)
Wicketkeepers: Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Haris
Spinners: Vice-Captain Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, and Usama Mir
Pace all-rounder: Faheem Ashraf Pacers: Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi
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The fusion of talents will convene in a three-day camp from August 14 to 16 at the esteemed National Cricket Academy in Lahore. The synergy is palpable as the squad gathers in Hambantota on August 18, with players participating in the Lankan Premier League and the Hundred seamlessly joining the squad in the picturesque terrains of Sri Lanka on August 18.
The meticulous selection of the squad has been orchestrated by the national men’s selection committee led by Inzamam-ul-Haq, in consultation with prominent cricketing figures including Mickey Arthur (team director), Grant Bradburn (head coach), and the indispensable Hassan Cheema (secretary).
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