The dates and venues for the much anticipated Asia Cup 2023 have been announced following the end of the latest ACC meeting. The long-standing concerns about the continental event came to an end when India finally accepted the hybrid model proposed by Pakistan. The event will be played in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with four games hosted in Pakistan.
The six-nation Asia Cup, which will be played in a 50-over format will be played from August 31st to September 17th, has grouped India and Pakistan with Nepal. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka are included in the other group. The final will be one of a total of 13 games that will be played in the tournament to decide the winner of the marquee event.
Here’s a look at the probable Pakistan squad for Asia Cup 2023.
1. Openers – Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman And Abdullah Shafique
Imam-ul-Haq has proven himself to be a match-winner for the Men in Green in ODI matches. The Left-handed opener had a prolific season in 2022 with the bat in ODIs, scoring 505 runs in eight matches at an average of 72.14, and had a decent outing with the bat against New Zealand. The 27-year-old will be in action during the upcoming Asia Cup on home soil.
Fakhar Zaman made a brilliant comeback to International scenes and led Pakistan’s batting against the Blackcaps to chase down a target of 337 with an individual score of an unbeaten 180. He was also the highest run scorer for the Men in Green in the New Zealand series and will look to continue his fine form in Asia Cup 2023 Abdullah Shafique can be the backup opener for them going into the continental event.
2. Middle Order Batters – Babar Azam (C), Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed
Babar Azam was Pakistan’s highest run-getter with 679 runs in nine ODIs at an average of 84.87 in 2022 and has continued his fine form going into the important white-ball season. Babar has a total of 30 hundred in all formats of cricket in International cricket, with over 59.17 average in 50 overs format in 98 innings.
The 28-year-old will have a huge test in his captaincy skills as they will play Asia Cup 2023 and ODI World Cup 2023 later this year, as his gameplay and captaincy will be crucial for their team in the ICC events.
Shan Masood was named as the vice-captain of Pakistan’s ODI team for the ODI series against New Zealand in January and the South Paw has performed consistently well for the team in white-ball cricket. Iftikhar Ahmed will have a chance to make that spot his own if provided an opportunity in the Asia Cup as he will look to make full use of the opportunity to make it into the ODI World Cup later this year.
3. Wicket-keepers – Mohammad Rizwan And Mohammad Haris
Mohammad Rizwan can anchor the innings and score runs at a brisk pace has made him one of the most valuable players. The Right-handed batter’s recent form for the Men in Green has been exceptional, and he played a vital role for his team in all three formats of the game. The 31-year-old would be a crucial member of the team in Asia Cup 2023.
Mohammad Haris is another promising talent from Pakistan. He recently amassed 350 runs in 12 games at a strike rate of 186.17 in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League PSL. The youngster has made his way into the Pakistan squad following his exploits in the PSL 2023 and will look to contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming series.
4. All-Rounders – Shadab Khan And Mohammad Nawaz
Shadab Khan would be one of the most integral players for Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup. The right-handed batter is one of the specialist players on the team as he can contribute to the team’s success in the forthcoming events and the Men in Green will rely on him for runs at the backend. The Right arm leg spinner can be lethal with bowling, especially in the sub-continental wickets which would assist the spinners.
Mohammad Nawaz is a dependable all-rounder in the Pakistan team in recent times. He has already shown what he is capable of with the bat playing some crucial knocks against high-quality opponents and can be a handy bowler for Pakistan in Asia Cup and ODI World Cup later this year.
5.Spinner – Usama Mir
Usama Mir is one of the most improved bowlers for Pakistan in recent years. The 27-year-old is certainly among the brightest stars of Pakistan’s domestic cricket. Mir has taken 10 wickets in six ODI matches with an impressive economy rate of 5.29 and the spinner is on the verge of making it into the Pakistan squad for the Asia Cup. He can be handy with the bat lower order the batting playing vital cameos in the end over of the innings.
6. Fast Bowlers – Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, And Ihsanullah
Shaheen Afridi has been among the best fast bowlers in the world since his debut for the national team. The Left arm pacer can be lethal with the new ball for the Men in Green and can also hit some huge sixes toward the end of the innings. Haris Rauf is arguably the fastest bowler in world cricket currently alongside Mark Wood and youngster Naseem Shah has proved his worth against some of the biggest names in the business in international and franchise cricket.
Ihsanullah won both the PSL Player of the Tournament award as well the Bowler of PSL award, for his 22 wickets at an economy rate of 7.59. His spell against Quetta Gladiators is also considered the fastest in PSL’s history, with an average speed of 144.37 kph, as he vital addition for the Pakistan team going into the Asia Cup.