Vaibhav Tripathi
Seam-bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf has been brought back into the fold, while Shan Masood has been omitted from the 18-member ODI squad unveiled by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The squad was announced for the forthcoming series against Afghanistan and the Asia Cup. Additionally, Saud Shakeel has secured a return to the ODI team, although his availability will be limited to the Afghanistan series.
Ashraf’s inclusion enhances the team’s balance as a fast bowling all-rounder. His previous appearance in the format was during Pakistan’s three-match away series against England in July 2021.
Masood, who had been appointed as vice-captain earlier in the year, was omitted from the squad due to his recent struggles. He has scored just 52 runs in four ODIs this year. Meanwhile, Ihsanullah’s absence is due to his ongoing rehabilitation program for an elbow injury, as supervised by the PCB’s medical panel.
In contrast, Shakeel’s fine performances in Test cricket and List A cricket has earned him a chance in the squad. Shakeel made his ODI debut against England in 2021 and last participated in a 50-over game against Australia in March of the same year.
Pakistan’s Squad for Afghanistan ODIs and Asia Cup 2023:
Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Saud Shakeel (only for Afghanistan series), Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Tayyab Tahir, Usama Mir