Pakistan announces strong squad for T20 Asia Cup 2022; Babar Azam Captain

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ACC T20 Asia Cup 2022. As per the announcement, Babar Azam has been named the captain of the squad and Shadab Khan will be his deputy for the tournament. Asia Cup will commence on 27 August and will conclude on 11 September 2022.

Chief selector Muhammad Wasim is happy with the balance of both squads and said the changes made to his side prior to the Asia Cup are what he believes is best for the team.

The ICC website quoted him as saying, “We have only made changes that were necessary,” he said.

Chief selector Muhammad Wasim explains the selection strategy for Pakistan's squads for the Netherlands ODIs and ACC T20 Asia Cup.#NEDvPAK | #AsiaCup2022 pic.twitter.com/rrldiJQ5be

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 3, 2022

“Both the competitions are important for us and, as such, we have picked our best available players in consultation with the captain and head coach.

“Hasan has been given a break from international cricket and he has been replaced by Naseem Shah. He is express fast and can give further impetus to the fast bowling department, which already boasts Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shahnawaz Dahani. Naseem has not played any international white-ball cricket, but he has demonstrated with the red-ball that he is an attacking option with good pace and controlled swing.

“Salman Ali Agha has been recalled to the ODI side after he performed well in the past two Pakistan Cup tournaments, averaging 40.33 and 48.8, respectively. He also gives Babar Azam an additional bowling option.”

Pakistan squad for Asia Cup

Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usman Qadir.