- Pakistan cricket team departs for Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan.
- Squad of 18 players to compete against Afghanistan.
- Inzamam-ul-Haq announces squads for ACC Men’s Asia Cup and ODI series.
Lahore – The Pakistan cricket team is embarking on a tour to Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. Departing from Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, the players will join captain Babar Azam and the rest of the team members who are already in Sri Lanka.
The squad, initially consisting of 18 players, will face Afghanistan from August 22 to 26. The lineup will then be reduced to 17 players for the Asia Cup, commencing on August 30 at Multan Cricket Stadium with a match against Nepal.
Lahore ✈️ Hambantota
Boys are off to Sri Lanka for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan!#BackTheBoysInGreen #AFGvPAK pic.twitter.com/rg4NFCx2qw
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 17, 2023
Earlier this month, Inzamam-ul-Haq, head of the national men’s selection committee, unveiled the squads for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup and the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. The complete squad list is as follows:
Openers: Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, and Imam-ul-Haq
Middle order: Captain Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Tayyab Tahir, and Saud Shakeel (only for Afghanistan series)
Wicketkeepers: Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Haris
Spinners: Vice-captain Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, and Usama Mir
Pace all-rounder: Faheem Ashraf
Pacers: Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi
Saud Shakeel, Faheem Ashraf, and Tayyab Tahir have earned spots in the squad for the Afghanistan series. Shan Masood and Ihsanullah, who were part of the squad for the five ODIs against New Zealand in April and May, are not included.
Faheem Ashraf makes a return to the side after a two-year absence, contributing as a fast-bowling all-rounder. His previous ODI appearance was during Pakistan’s series against England in July 2021.
Tayyab Tahir, earning his second call-up to the ODI side, initially made his debut ahead of the three ODIs against New Zealand in January. His standout performance in the Pakistan Cup 2022-23 led to his inclusion as the leading run-scorer in the event.