Pakistan recall Ashraf, Shakeel for ODI series vs Afghanistan

Pakistan named all-rounder Faheem Ashraf and Saud Shakeel in their 18-member squad that will take on Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series

Pakistan on Wednesday named all-rounder Faheem Ashraf and Saud Shakeel in their 18-member squad that will take on Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka from August 22.

Pakistan selectors also named Tayyab Tahir who is yet to make his ODI debut. The squad will be pruned to 17 for the Asia Cup slated later this month.

Afghanistan are the designated hosts of the series, and because of the political turmoil back home both the Boards have agreed upon a neutral venue in Sri Lanka which will also co-host the Asia Cup with Pakistan.

While Ashraf last played ODI cricket for Pakistan in July 2021, Shakeel’s last appearance in the format was in March 2022. Tahir has so far played three T20Is.

Shan Masood and Ihsanullah are the two players dropped from the squad, who played against New Zealand in a five-match ODI series.

The recently-appointed chief selector and former captain Inzamam-ul Haq released the names of 18 players after consultations with team director Mickey Arthur and head coach Grant Bradburn.

For the Asia Cup, one player would be dropped from the list of 18 players while two others will probably be named as reserves.