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On the other hand, Mohammad Nawaz, who was withdrawn from the Test series injury, has also been included in the squad.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
