Pakistan have named an 18-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan and a 17-strong side for the Asia Cup.
The squad will be later trimmed to 17-strong for the Asia Cup after the conclusion of the ODI series against Afghanistan. Saud Shakeel who is a member of the touring party for the Afghanistan ODIs misses out on the Asia Cup squad.
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The squad also marks the ODI return of all-rounder Faheem Ashraf. Ashraf last featured in an ODI for Pakistan two years ago.
Shan Masood has been dropped from the setup after a string of low scores while Ihsanullah missed out as he is undergoing rehabilitation to recover from an elbow injury.
The squad led by Babar Azam also features a call-up for Tayyab Tahir after his sizzling performances on the domestic circuit.
This is the first squad selected by new chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq, who was recently re-appointed to the position.
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The three-match series against Afghanistan will be played between August 22 to 26 before Pakistan begin their Asia Cup campaign against Nepal on August 30 in Multan. The matches will be vital for Pakistan as they build up momentum ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India later this year in October-November.
Pakistan squad: Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Tayyab Tahir, Saud Shakeel (only for Afghanistan series), Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi.
