Pakistan cricket selectors have announced a 15-player squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in Sharjah from 24 to 27 March. With an eye on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, the selectors have made a strategic decision to manage the workload of their elite cricketers while giving opportunities to new talents.

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The team will be led by all-rounder Shadab Khan, with four uncapped players, Ihsanullah, Saim Ayub, Tayyab Tahir, and Zaman Khan, making their debut. Additionally, Abdullah Shafique, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf, and Imad Wasim have been recalled to the team.

Notably, Pakistan captain Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been rested. Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, and Khushdil Shah have been dropped, despite their presence in the Pakistan squad that reached the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia.

The remaining players from the last T20I series who have retained their spot are Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Junior, Naseem Shah, and Shan Masood. With a mix of new and experienced players, the Pakistan team will be hoping to secure a victory against Afghanistan and prepare for future tournaments.

Over the next 15 months, Pakistan has a busy schedule of cricket matches in preparation for various tournaments. They will participate in eight ODIs leading up to the 50-over Asia Cup 2023 and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, as well as play in seven ICC World Test Championship matches. Additionally, Pakistan will take part in 25 T20Is in the run-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Pakistan 15-member Squad against Afghanistan

Pakistan Squad vs Afghanistan – Shadab Khan (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, Tayyab Tahir and Zaman Khan

Reserve players – Abrar Ahmed, Haseebullah and Usama Mir

Also See: Pakistan vs Afghanistan Schedule for all upcoming matches

Pakistan vs Afghanistan T20 Series Match Schedule

Mar 24, Fri	Pakistan vs Afghanistan, 1st T20I	10am EST \| 2pm GMT \| 6pm Local \| 7pm PKT Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Mar 26, Sat	Pakistan vs Afghanistan, 2nd T20I	10am EST \| 2pm GMT \| 6pm Local \| 7pm PKT Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Mar 27, Sun	Pakistan vs Afghanistan, 3rd T20I	10am EST \| 2pm GMT \| 6pm Local \| 7pm PKT Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah