Head coach Mike Hesson and selector Aqib Javed announced Pakistan’s 17-member squad for the upcoming triangular series and Asia Cup.
The squad includes Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, and Fakhar Zaman, while Salman Ali Agha will lead the side. Other players named are Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, and Shaheen Afridi.
Haris Rauf, Salman Mirza, Hasan Ali, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Abrar Ahmed are also part of the squad, along with Khushdil Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr.
Selector Aqib Javed said the players retained are the same who featured in the last three series. He added that the selection is based on available players, noting good performances from Hasan Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Sahibzada Farhan.
Hesson says Focus on T20s ahead of Asia Cup and Tri-Series
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson said Saturday that the team’s current focus remains on T20 cricket as preparations continue for the Asia Cup and upcoming triangular series.
“We have won six of our last nine T20 matches. The focus is more on T20s at the moment because we are preparing for the Asia Cup and the tri-series,” Hesson told reporters in Lahore.
He said the team management is working on building depth within the squad. Commenting on skipper Babar Azam’s performance, Hesson said, “Babar played well in the first ODI, but he still needs some improvement.”
Reflecting on recent matches, the coach noted that Pakistan had to play on three different types of pitches in a short span of time. “Sharjah favors spinners a lot, which will be a challenge for us,” he said.
Hesson added that Afghanistan is a strong side and their matches would provide valuable preparation ahead of the Asia Cup. He also acknowledged the pressure faced during the last two T20s against the West Indies, highlighting strong bowling performances from Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali.
