The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the squad for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan and the 2023 Asia Cup. The new selection committee, headed by former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, named the squad, which sees the return of pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi and Faheem Ashraf. Ashraf last played for Pakistan in the three-match away series in July 2021.
One of the most notable inclusions is that of Tayyab Tahir, who smashed a match-winning 108 in the ACC Emerging Men's Cup final against India to shape a 128-run win for Pakistan. However, Tayyab, along with Saud Shakeel have only been included for the Afghanistan series.
Faheem returns to the one-day side after two years, having played his last ODI in July 2021. Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq reasoned that Pakistan need a fast-bowling all-rounder and that Faheem will get opportunities to cement his spot for the 2023 World Cup.
As quoted by ESPN Cricinfo, he stated:
"Preference has been given to Faheem Ashraf, since the squad doesn't have another fast-bowling all-rounder. If you look at PSL and other tournaments, he was in good form. And we need an allrounder, he is a fast-bowling allrounder, which we need at the World Cup."
Pakistan's ODI series against Afghanistan will be hosted by Hambantota, Sri Lanka. The series are on the dates 22nd, 24th, and 26th.
Pakistan squad for Afghanistan ODIs and Asia Cup:
Squad: Babar Azam (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Tayyab Tahir and Saud Shakeel (only for Afghanistan series), Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Mohammad Nawaz and Usama Mir, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi.
