Pakistan's national selectors have announced a 17-member squad for the upcoming T20I tri-series in the UAE and the Asia Cup, notably excluding seasoned batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. The tri-series, featuring Afghanistan and the UAE, will be held in Sharjah from August 29 to September 7, followed by the Asia Cup from September 9 to 28. Salman Ali Agha will lead the team, with Mohammad Haris taking the wicketkeeping duties.
The squad includes fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Wasim Jnr, along with all-rounders Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, and Khushdil Shah. Young talents such as Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz, and Salman Mirza have also been included, aiming to bolster the team's performance in the upcoming tournaments.
Pakistan has a modest record in the Asia Cup, having won the tournament twice, in 2000 and 2012. In contrast, India holds the record with eight titles, followed by Sri Lanka with six. The exclusion of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan marks a significant shift in Pakistan's squad selection strategy, focusing on emerging players to strengthen the team's future prospects.
The Asia Cup, established in 1984, serves as a crucial platform for Asian teams to showcase their talent and prepare for international competitions. Pakistan's participation in this year's tournament will be pivotal in assessing the effectiveness of their new squad composition and the integration of young players into the team dynamics.
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Pakistan's performance, with the exclusion of key players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan adding an element of intrigue to their campaign.
Also read: Dubai to host India-Pakistan clash in Asia Cup 2025
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