Surprising Alterations as Pakistan Prepares for Continental Showdown

Following their commanding victory against Afghanistan in Colombo, Pakistan secured a resounding 59-run triumph in the third and final ODI match of the series. This dominant performance not only granted them a clean sweep in the series but also propelled them beyond Australia to claim the coveted world No. 1 ranking in ODIs. However, with their sights now set on the forthcoming Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan has introduced unexpected modifications to their 17-member squad for the continental event.

In a departure from their previously announced squad for the Afghanistan series, Pakistan has made a notable addition. Middle-order batter Saud Shakeel, initially selected for the Afghanistan encounter, has been incorporated into the Asia Cup squad. His participation in the series was confined to the final ODI, where he contributed 9 runs from 8 balls. This appearance marked his first in the format since March 2022 and his sixth overall.

Conversely, right-handed batter Tayyab Tahir, who awaits his ODI debut for Pakistan, has been repositioned as a traveling reserve. Having been part of the initial 17-member Asia Cup squad, Tahir has featured in merely three international outings for Pakistan in the T20I format.

The Pakistan squad for the Asia Cup now features the following members: Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir (travelling reserve).