Pakistan, on Wednesday (August 3) announced a 15-member squad for the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2022 starting on August 27 and a 16-man ODI squad for the Netherland series starting August 16.
Pakistan’s permanent skipper Babar Azam is set to lead his country on both occasions, with the senior all-rounder Shadab Khan acting as his deputy.
Fast bowler Hasan Ali is the major absentee with pacer Naseem Shah replacing him in both the squads.
Shah has represented Pakistan in the longest format of cricket and also has a hat-trick to his name, but he is yet to make a T20I and ODI debut for the Men in Green.
The fast bowling sensation Shaheen Shah Afridi, who missed the second Test against Sri Lanka due to injury, has been named in both squads.
Salman Ali Agha, who toured England in 2021 for the ODIs, has also been recalled to the team for the ODI fixtures against the Netherlands.
Made changes that were necessary: Muhammad Wasim
“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.
“Hasan has been given a break from international cricket and he has been replaced by Naseem Shah.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.
“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.
Pakistan Squad For Netherlands ODIs:
Babar Azam (C), Shadab Khan (VC), 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 (VC), 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