Pakistan pick Naseem Shah for Netherlands ODIs, Asia Cup
Thursday, 4 August 2022
Uncapped white-ball pacer Naseem Shah has been included in Pakistan's 16-member One-Day International squad for the Netherlands tour as well as the 15-member T20I squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, replacing the out of form Hasan Ali.
The 19-year-old pacer has already represented Pakistan in 13 Tests, and he will be joined by all-rounder Salman Agha in the ODI series, which will form a part of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League, according to Cricbuzz.
Pakistan have also retained left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi in both the squads but stated, 'his rehabilitation programme will be overseen by the team trainer and physiotherapist, who will also decide on his return to international cricket.'
Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Haris, Salman Ali Agha and Zahid Mehmood, who have been selected in the ODI squad, will make way for Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed and Usman Qadir in the Asia Cup
Squad for Netherlands ODIs: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Imam ul haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Salman Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani, Zahid Mehmood
Squad for Asia Cup: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vc), Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usman Qadir
Speaking on the team selection, chief selector Mohammad Wasim said, "We have only made changes that were necessary. 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"Hasan has been given a break from international cricket and he has been replaced by Naseem Shah.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.