Connect with us

Sports

Pakistan includes uncapped Asif Afridi, Mohammad Haris in ODI, T20I squads for Australia series

Published

on

  • Left-arm spinner Asif Afridi and Mohammad Haris have earned selectors’ nod due to their “impressive” domestic performances, says PCB. 
  • PCB says selectors have included 20 players in the ODI squad and 17 for the only T20I.
  • Board says squad will assemble in Lahore on March 22 and will join national team after undergoing three-day room isolation.

LAHORE: Pakistan has included uncapped Asif Afridi and Mohammad Haris in the limited-overs squad that will take on Australia in the three ODIs and one-off T20I.

“Left-arm spinner Asif and wicketkeeper/batter Haris have earned the selectors’ nod as result of their impressive performances in the domestic circuit as the selectors have continued to provide opportunities to high-performing players as part of their strategy to increase the pool of top-class cricketers and developing a formidable bench-strength,” said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a statement.

On the other hand, Mohammad Nawaz, who was withdrawn from the Test series injury, has also been included in the squad. But his selection is subject to a fitness test.

The PCB said that the selectors have included 20 players in the ODI squad and 17 for the only T20I. Abdullah Shafique, Imam-Ul-Haq and Saud Shakeel have not been included in the T20 squad.

Chair of the Selection Committee Muhammad Wasim, while congratulating Asif and Haris, said that their inclusion “is a reward for their hard work and consistent performances in the domestic circuit”.

“Australia are an equally outstanding team in the shorter formats of the game and, as such, we have decided to go with the best available and most experienced players. The four white-ball matches have significant context as the 50-over games count towards the 2023 World Cup qualification and the 20-over will be a repeat of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 semi-final,” said the chief selector.

According to the PCB, the squad will assemble in Lahore on March 22 and will undergo three-day room isolation. Once the isolation ends the players will be allowed to integrate with the national side.

Australia is ranked No 3 in ODIs, while they are the reigning T20 world champions, whereas Pakistan is ranked sixth and third in the 50-over and 20-over formats, respectively.

In the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League, Australia is seventh and Pakistan ninth. The top seven ranked sides from this event plus ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 hosts India will qualify directly for the pinnacle 50-over competition, which will be staged next year in October/November.

ODI squad 

Babar Azam (captain)

Shadab Khan (vice-captain)

Abdullah Shafique 

Asif Afridi 

Asif Ali 

Fakhar Zaman 

Haider Ali 

Haris Rauf 

Hasan Ali

Iftikhar Ahmed

Imam-Ul-Haq 

Khushdil Shah

Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper) 

Mohammad Nawaz 

Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper) 

Mohammad Wasim Jnr 

Saud Shakeel 

Shaheen Shah Afridi 

Shahnawaz Dahani 

Usman Qadir

T20I squad 

Babar Azam (captain)

Shadab Khan (vice-captain)

Asif Afridi 

Asif Ali 

Fakhar Zaman 

Haider Ali 

Haris Rauf 

Hasan Ali 

Iftikhar Ahmed 

Khushdil Shah 

Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper) 

Mohammad Nawaz 

Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper) 

Mohammad Wasim Jnr 

Shaheen Shah Afridi Shahnawaz Dahani 

Usman Qadir

Latest News

Global boards, ICC, PCB, and BCCI compete for the Champions Trophy in an attempt to end the standoff.

Published

on

By

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are at odds over the hosting of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, and the matter is still unresolved.

Cricket boards from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa have also entered the debate, according to sources, and are pleading with the ICC to settle the issue as soon as possible.

The ICC was apparently approached by the three boards to voice their worries on the tournament’s uncertainty. They underlined the need of being clear about the hosting arrangements and schedule.

Sources claim that the boards have also endorsed Pakistan’s position and warned of the consequences if India keeps declining to compete in tournaments held in Pakistan.

The PCB has reaffirmed that it will not bend its stance unless the BCCI offers formal assurances that it will be able to participate. Before proceeding, the federal government of Pakistan has cautioned against taking any chances and demands unambiguous promises from India.

The situation has fueled concerns among cricketing nations about future tournaments.

Several boards have reportedly urged the ICC to establish clear guidelines to avoid similar disputes. While everyone waits for a resolution, tensions continue to rise.

Continue Reading

Latest News

PCB releases the South Africa series squads, including the comeback of key players.

Published

on

By

On Wednesday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed the teams for the forthcoming series against South Africa, which is set to start on December 10.

With the announcement that the series will be played in both red-ball and white-ball forms, several important players who had been sidelined because of injuries or workload management have made their comebacks.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, a fast bowler, will return to the white-ball team after missing the last two Test matches against England. His inclusion is thought to be a crucial step in guaranteeing optimal fitness prior to the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. In the ODIs and T20Is against South Africa, Afridi, who has been recuperating from workload-related issues, will be hoping to contribute.

The seasoned fast bowler Mohammad Abbas, who was called up to the Test team following an outstanding showing in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, is another important addition.

Abbas demonstrated his excellent form and made a compelling argument for his selection with an outstanding 31 wickets in five games. Abbas, who hasn’t played Test cricket since 2021, will give Pakistan’s bowling attack vital depth in the red-ball format.

Naseem Shah is back in the ODI and Test squads after missing the most recent England series owing to injury. Pakistan will rely heavily on the 21-year-old’s speed and ability to disrupt top-order batsmen in both formats.

Along with the seasoned players, a number of fresh talents have been called up. After making an impression with the Pakistan Shaheens, Khurram Shahzad has won a position in the Test team, while Mir Hamza also returns. Following impressive performances in the T20I series, left-arm wrist spinner Sufyan Moqim was called up for the first time for the 50-over format and was added to the ODI squad.

On the other hand, off-spinner Sajid Khan has been excluded despite playing well in the England series. Only one specialist spinner, Noman Ali, has been chosen by the selectors to be a member of the Test team.

Pakistan test squad:

  • Shan Masood (captain)
  • Saud Shakeel (vice-captain)
  • Aamir Jamal
  • Abdullah Shafique
  • Babar Azam
  • Haseebullah (wk)
  • Kamran Ghulam
  • Khurram Shahzad
  • Mir Hamza
  • Mohammad Abbas
  • Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
  • Naseem Shah
  • Noman Ali
  • Saim Ayub
  • Salman Ali Agha

Pakistan ODI Squad:

  • Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk)
  • Abdullah Shafique
  • Abrar Ahmed
  • Babar Azam
  • Haris Rauf
  • Kamran Ghulam
  • Mohammad Hasnain
  • Muhammad Irfan Khan
  • Naseem Shah
  • Saim Ayub
  • Salman Ali Agha
  • Shaheen Shah Afridi
  • Sufyan Moqim
  • Tayyab Tahir
  • Usman Khan (wk)

Pakistan T20I Squad:

  • Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk)
  • Abrar Ahmed
  • Babar Azam
  • Haris Rauf
  • Jahandad Khan
  • Mohammad Abbas Afridi
  • Mohammad Hasnain
  • Muhammad Irfan Khan
  • Omair Bin Yousuf
  • Saim Ayub
  • Salman Ali Agha
  • Shaheen Shah Afridi
  • Sufyan Moqim
  • Tayyab Tahir
  • Usman Khan (wk)

Continue Reading

Latest News

With a resounding victory, Pakistan wins the Blind T20 World Cup.

Published

on

By

Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by a resounding 10-wicket margin in the final to win the Blind T20 World Cup. In just 11 overs, the home team chased down a target of 140 runs, demonstrating their superior skill and coordination.

The game’s star was Nisar Ali, who gave an incredible batting effort. He ensured a smooth and conclusive victory for Pakistan by smashing an undefeated 72 runs off just 31 balls.

With the win, Pakistan’s stellar record in blind cricket gains yet another honor, solidifying its supremacy in the game.

Supporters nationwide rejoiced after the team’s outstanding accomplishment.

Continue Reading

Trending