Dubai: In a major shakeup ahead of the Asia Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Salman Ali Agha as captain for both the upcoming UAE tri-nation series and the Asia Cup.
Former skipper Babar Azam and senior wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan have been left out of the T20I squad, raising speculation about the future of the duo in the shortest format.
The new-look squad was announced following the appointment of Mike Hesson as Pakistan’s white-ball head coach. Fast bowler Naseem Shah, who has been struggling with form, also failed to find a place in the Asia Cup contingent.
The tri-nation series, featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and hosts UAE, will serve as preparation for the continental tournament. The 17-member squad includes experienced campaigners such as Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, and Faheem Ashraf, while youngsters Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Haris have been given opportunities.
Pakistan’s squad: Salman Ali Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.
