In light of their commanding victory over Afghanistan, Pakistan has made a noteworthy adjustment to their roster for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. With the eagerly awaited continental championship commencing on August 30, Pakistan is focused on upholding their recent strong performance on the field.
Having secured an unblemished victory over Afghanistan, Pakistan has ascended to the coveted rank of the world’s top-ranked ODI team. Their self-assuredness is soaring as they prepare to face Nepal in the opening match of the Asia Cup tournament, showcasing their momentum and determination.
In a noteworthy development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a significant step to bolster their originally announced 17-player squad for the Asia Cup. With the continental tournament drawing near, Pakistan has strategically opted to enhance their lineup by welcoming Saud Shakeel into the team.
Although Shakeel had a brief appearance in Pakistan’s ODI squad during the Afghanistan series, contributing nine runs in a solitary match, he has been chosen to be a part of the national side’s Asia Cup contingent. This decision underscores the team’s commitment to maximizing its resources for the upcoming event, despite Shakeel’s relatively limited experience.
It’s worth noting that Saud Shakeel was not initially included in the 17-player squad for the Asia Cup, and he has taken the place of Tayyab Tahir in the lineup. The selectors’ decision to include the 27-year-old shortly before the start of the prestigious tournament clearly highlights their intention to inject the team with renewed energy and versatility.
As for Tayyab Tahir, although he was initially part of the squad, he did not secure a spot in the playing eleven for any of the three matches in the ODI series against Afghanistan. Nonetheless, Tahir’s association with the team continues, as he will accompany the squad as a traveling reserve.
The revised Pakistan squad for Asia Cup 2023:
Babar Azam (Captain), 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, and Tayyab Tahir (travelling reserve).