Pakistan Announces Squad for ACC Men's Asia Cup and ODI Series against Afghanistan

Inzamam-ul-Haq, the head of the national men’s selection committee, has unveiled the much-anticipated squads for the upcoming ACC Men’s Asia Cup and the riveting three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan.

The 18-player squad, brimming with talent, is poised to face Afghanistan in an exhilarating cricket encounter set in Sri Lanka from the 22nd to the 26th of August. 

This squad will undergo a reduction to 17 players for the prestigious Asia Cup, a tournament that will kick-start at the Multan Cricket Stadium on the 30th of August with Pakistan taking on Nepal in a thrilling opener.

The batting lineup is fortified with exceptional openers including Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, and Imam-ul-Haq. 

The middle order is anchored by none other than the dynamic Babar Azam, who also holds the esteemed position of captain. 

Alongside him, the lineup boasts the talents of Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Tayyab Tahir, and the promising Saud Shakeel (exclusively for the Afghanistan series).

Behind the stumps, Pakistan's hopes rest in the capable hands of wicketkeepers Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Haris. 

The spin department is masterfully led by vice-captain Shadab Khan, who is joined by the skilled duo of Mohammad Nawaz and Usama Mir. Adding an all-around dimension to the team is the pace all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, whose prowess is set to leave a mark.

The pace attack is a force to be reckoned with, featuring the formidable trio of Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, and Naseem Shah, complemented by the ever-impressive Shaheen Afridi.

Additionally, the Afghanistan series will include Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, and Saud Shakeel, each expected to contribute significantly.

In a strategic move, the squad sees the omission of Shan Masood and Ihsanullah, who were part of the team that engaged in a high-stakes ODI series against New Zealand in April and May.

Faheem Ashraf's return after a two-year hiatus adds a boost to the team's balance, especially with his prowess as a fast-bowling all-rounder. 

His return to the ODI format takes fans down memory lane to his last appearance in Pakistan's gripping three-match series against England in July 2021.

As excitement and anticipation build, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the clash of titans in the ACC Men's Asia Cup and the ODI series against Afghanistan. 

The meticulously chosen squad underpins Pakistan's determination to secure victory and etch their name in cricketing history.