The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially revealed the roster for the forthcoming series against Afghanistan and the Asia Cup. As stated in an announcement on Wednesday, the country’s men’s national team has been finalized.
Head of the national men’s selection committee, Inzamam-ul-Haq, unveiled the 18-player lineup for the One-Day International series against Afghanistan, set to take place in Sri Lanka from August 22 to August 26, 2023.
In a strategic move, Inzamam-ul-Haq indicated that following the Afghanistan series, the team’s composition would be streamlined to 17 players for the highly expected Asia Cup.
Scheduled to commence in Multan, Pakistan’s eastern city, on August 30, the tournament’s opening match will witness Pakistan facing Nepal.
The PCB has reaffirmed Babar Azam’s role as the team captain, with right-hand batsman Babar Azam retaining his position. At the same time, Shadab Khan continues as vice-captain, bolstering the team’s leadership structure.
Among the new selections, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, and Saud Shakeel have been welcomed into the squad for the Afghanistan series and the Asia Cup. In contrast, Shan Masood and Ihsanullah, who participated in matches against New Zealand in April and May 2023, have been omitted from the roster.
In a significant return to the team after a two-year hiatus, Inzamam-ul-Haq noted that Ashraf’s inclusion contributes to the team’s equilibrium, enhancing its composition as a fast-bowling all-rounder.
