Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 Squad: Masood, Imad left out, Faheem Ashraf called back after two years

Pakistan Team's Asia Cup 2023 Preparations

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also claimed that Babar Azam-led side will assemble in Hambantota on August 18. Before that, the team will be participating in a three-day camp from between August 14 and 16 at the National Cricket Academy, Lahore.

Pakistan Cricket Team: Shan Masood gets ignored for Asia Cup 2023

Inzamam-ul-Haq said on Shan Masood the latter's ODI numbers have gone down. "Shan has performed very well on the whole across formats. Unfortunately, his performances in ODIs have gone down. We have a list of 20-21 players, and Shan is part of that. But Saud Shakeel and a couple of other players were impressive recently, so we have to leave out Shan. But he is a part of our plans," said the former Pakistan cricketer.

Saud Shakeel included in ODI squad against Afghanistan

Saud Shakeel has been included in the 18-man squad for the ODIs against Afghanistan. "Preference has been given to Faheem Ashraf, since the squad doesn't have another allrounder. 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," Inzamam said at a press conference after announcing the squad.

Pakistan's Asia Cup 2023 and Afghanistan Squad

Shan Masood, who was designated as the vice captain for One Day Internationals earlier this year, has not been included in the squads representing Pakistan. The only players missing from the team that competed against New Zealand in May are Haris Sohail and Ihsanullah.

Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 Squad Live Updates

Faheem Ashraf - the right-arm pacer and left-handed batter - is the only fast-bowling all-rounder in the Pakistan side for the continental showpiece which will be held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He is making his international return for the Men In Green after a gap of two years, and he's going to start with the Asia Cup 2023.

Players to assemble in Sri Lanka on August 18

"The team will assemble in Hambantota on 18 August with the players in Pakistan departing on 17 August. The players in Pakistan will hold a three-day camp on 14, 15 and 16 August at the National Cricket Academy, Lahore," a statement from PCB said. The 3-match ODI series against Afghanistan starts from August 22 in Hambantota in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 Squad: Usama-Shadab to lead spin unit

The spin unit will be led by leg-spinners Shadab Khan and Usama Mir. Mohammad Nawaz is a left-arm spin option, whileSalman Ali Agha and Iftikhar Ahmed can chip in with their off-spin bowling.

Faheem Ashraf: The Surprise pick

The fast bowling all-rounder last played an ODI match in July 2021. He returns to the squad after a gap of two years to add depth to the bowling as well as the batting department. However, he just has 218 ODI runs to his name at an average of 11.47.

🚨 Our squad for the Afghanistan series and Asia Cup 🚨

Read more: https://t.co/XtjcVAmDV7#AFGvPAK | #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/glpVWF6oWW

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 9, 2023

Tayyab Tahir rewarded for his hundred vs India A

Right-hand batter Tayyab Tahir has been rewarded for his cracking match-winning hundred vs India A in the final of the Emerging Asia Cup 2023. The 'Big guy' would face 'big guys' from India now! Battle of Equals?! (Wink, Wink)

Shan Masood, Imad Wasim, Ihsanullah left out

Shan Masood has been left out and so has been Imad Wasim. Pacer Ihsanullah also misses out. The 18-member squad would be trimmed to 17 for Asia Cup 2023.

Squad announced!

Openers: Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq Middle order: Babar Azam (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Tayyab Tahir and Saud Shakeel (only for Afghanistan series). Wicketkeepers: Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Haris Spinners: Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Mohammad Nawaz and Usama Mir Pace all-rounder: Faheem Ashraf Pacers: Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi

Imam-ul-Haq's selection a certainty

Imam is set to be picked by his uncle Inzamam-ul-Haq today. No nepotism here. The opener is expected to play a key role for Pakistan in Asia Cup 2023 and World Cup. He recently said that he has always dreamt of winning matches against India in India.

Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 Squad Live Updates

Naseem Shah has risen leaps and bounds in the recent times and is now an automatic pick in Pakistan squads in any of the formats. His brilliant reverse swing display during Sri Lanka Tests floored fans. He would be aiming to take Asia Cup 2023 by storm.

Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 Squad Announcement at 4:30 PM

Update: Chief selector Inzamam Ul Haq us set to announce the squad for the Asia Cup 2023 and Afghanistan ODIs today at 4:30PM PKT at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 Squad: Live Updates

No major changes expected. The players who featured in the squad for New Zealand ODIs likely to feature. What was the Pakistan squad for New Zealand ODIs? Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haris Sohail, Ihsanullah, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Usama Mir

Fakhar Zaman in LPL 2023

28, 42 and 45 are the scores of the experienced southpaw in his first three outings of the Lanka Premier League 2023.

Shadab Khan struggling in The Hundred 2023

Shahad Khan has scored just four runs from two matches and hasn't picked a single wicket. He would hopefully come back to his elements once he gets to play in subcontinent conditions.

Key Pacers parts of Welsh Fire squad

Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf are part of the welsh Fire squad in the men's Hundred 2023. Afridi is leading the wickets chart with 5 scalps in three matches. He would be raring to go hard in the Asia Cup 2023.

The announcement was to made around 12 PM today

The squad announcement was to be made around 12 PM today. But it has been postponed to the evening.

Update: Pakistan's Asia Cup squad announcement has been delayed, press conference will now take place in the evening. The time will be confirmed later!

Two of three players are in contention, will be finalised shortly. #AsiaCup2023

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) August 9, 2023

Pakistan players awaiting Asia Call call-up

The key Pakistan players including captain Babar Azam are plying their trade in foreign leagues. Babar Azam has set the Lanka Premier League 2023 on fire. He smashed a hundred on Monday.

Inzamam-ul-Haq set to make the big statement

New chief-selector Inzamam-ul-Haq in his first assignment is all set to announced the Pakistan squad for Asia Cup 2023.