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Shaheen Afridi Dropped, Naseem Shah Called Back: Pakistan's Probable Squad For UAE Tri-Series

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah [Source: AFP Media]Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah [Source: AFP Media]

Pakistan are currently playing against the West Indies in an ODI series. The series is being played after the shortest format of the game, where Pakistan, led by Salman Ali Agha, won the series by a 2-1 margin.

After Pakistan finish their West Indies tour, they will be travelling to play a T20I tri-series against Afghainstan and the UAE. With the Asia Cup 2025 coming up, this series will be the place where they try out their bench strength and look to get an ideal combination that can serve them well from the Asia Cup to the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2026. 

Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf To Be Rested

As per the latest reports, Pakistan might be resting two of their prime pacers, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. The rumours claim that the board made this decision to manage the workload of the two pacers. 

Shaheen has stayed back in the West Indies after the T20 series and is playing in the ODIs too. So, before the start of the Asia Cup, the management wants him to get ample rest so that he turns up fresh for the major games.

On the other hand, Haris Rauf has been playing T20 leagues around the world and deserves the rest before he takes up the mantle of being the lead pacer in the upcoming ventures.

Fakhar Zaman To Return In the Tri-series

Fakhar Zaman for Pakistan [Source: AFP Media]Fakhar Zaman for Pakistan [Source: AFP Media]

During the first T20I match against the West Indies, Fakhar Zaman suffered a mild strain on his left hamstring. But it was updated that he would be fit in a couple of weeks.

Now, the reports suggest that the veteran batter is fit and will be available for selection for the tri-series.

Naseem Shah To Return In T20Is

The right-arm pacer was not included in the T20I squad that played against the West Indies. This was a decision that was taken after seeing his poor show in the latest edition of the PSL.

However, since the significance of this series is not great, Pakistan can try Naseem Shah. He looked in good rhythm during the first ODI against the West Indies. So, in the tri-series, Naseem could get the opportunity that would give him the time to adjust to the format and become an essential member in the Asia Cup 2025 and thus the T20 World Cup 2026.

Pakistan Probable Squad For UAE Tri-series

Salman Ali Agha (c), Shahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, Ahmed Daniyal, Sufiyan Muqeem, Kushdil Shah, Hussan Talat, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali