Pakistan Selectors Omit Babar Azam and Rizwan from Asia Cup Squad

The Pakistan national cricket team has announced a significant change in its lineup for the upcoming Asia Cup and UAE tri-series. In a surprising move, the selectors have excluded seasoned batters Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan from the 17-member squad. This decision has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike as the team prepares for crucial upcoming matches.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed the squad on its official website. The team will be captained by Salman Ali Agha and includes prominent players such as senior fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammed Wasim, and left-arm bowler Salman Mirza. The squad aims to build momentum ahead of the Asia Cup, which will take place in the T20 format in the United Arab Emirates starting from September 9, 2023.

Upcoming Matches and Competition Structure

Prior to the Asia Cup, Pakistan will participate in a tri-series against Afghanistan and the UAE. This series will be held at Sharjah from August 29 to September 7, 2023. The matches will provide an opportunity for the team to fine-tune their strategies and performance before facing off against formidable opponents.

In the Asia Cup, Pakistan has been placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, as well as the UAE and Oman. This eight-team tournament runs from September 9 to September 28, 2023. The group’s competitive nature promises to deliver thrilling encounters, especially the much-anticipated match against India.

The complete squad for Pakistan includes the following players:
– Salman Ali Agha (c)
– Abrar Ahmed
– Faheem Ashraf
– Fakhar Zaman
– Haris Rauf
– Hasan Ali
– Hasan Nawaz
– Hussain Talat
– Khushdil Shah
– Mohammad Haris (wk)
– Mohammad Nawaz
– Mohammad Waseem Jnr
– Sahibzada Farhan
– Saim Ayub
– Salman Mirza
– Shaheen Shah Afridi
– Sufyan Moqim

As the team gears up for these significant matches, the absence of Babar Azam and Rizwan, who have been key players in previous tournaments, will be closely scrutinized. Fans and commentators alike will be watching to see how the new lineup performs under pressure and whether the selectors’ bold decision pays off.