Pakistan announce squad for Asia Cup, Afghanistan ODIs; Faheem Ashraf and Tayyab Tahir included

Pakistan have named an 18-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka from August 22. The squad includes all-rounder Faheem Ashraf and Saud Shakeel, alongside Tayyab Tahir, who is yet to make his ODI debut.

The squad will be trimmed to 17 members for the Asia Cup, with Saud Shakeel not part of the continental championships.

Due to the prevailing political turmoil in Afghanistan, the 3-match series will be hosted in Sri Lanka, acting as a neutral venue. Sri Lanka will also co-host the Asia Cup with Pakistan.

While Faheem Ashraf last appeared in Pakistan's ODI team in July 2021, Saud Shakeel's most recent appearance in the format dates back to March 2022. Tayyab Tahir, on the other hand, has participated in three T20Is so far.

Shan Masood and Ihsanullah have been dropped from the squad, having been part of the team that faced New Zealand in a five-match ODI series.

Inzamam-ul-Haq, the recently-appointed chief selector released the names of the 18 players after consultations with team director Mickey Arthur and head coach Grant Bradburn.

Saud Shakeel, who displayed excellent form, has been given another opportunity in the ODIs after not performing up to expectations in five previous matches of the format.

Saud, who has achieved two centuries and six half-centuries in his initial seven Test matches, is contending for a place in the middle order with Tayyab, Agha Salman, and Iftikhar Ahmed.

This marks Tayyab Tahir's second selection in the ODI side. His first inclusion occurred prior to the three ODIs against New Zealand in January.

Tayyab recently showcased his remarkable skills by scoring a sensational century in Pakistan Shaheens' resounding 128-run victory over India A in the ACC Men’s Emerging Cup final.

The squad will gather in Hambantota on August 18 and a three-day training camp at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore from August 14 to 16 will precede the team's departure.

Pakistan squad: Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Tayyab Tahir, Saud Shakeel (only for Afghanistan series), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Haris (wk), Shadab Khan (vc), Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi.

Also read: ODI World Cup Schedule change: India vs Pakistan and 8 other matches get rescheduled, check full list