Pakistan drops fast bowler Ali

AP

Islamabad, Aug 5: Pakistan has dropped fast bowler Hasan Ali for a limited-overs series against the Netherlands and the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

Hasan has been struggling in the white-ball formats since 2019, claiming 16 wickets in 18 one-day internationals and 27 wickets in his last 21 Twenty20 internationals.

“Hasan has been given a break from international cricket and he has been replaced by Naseem Shah,” Pakistan’s chief selector Mohammad Wasim said in a statement Wednesday. Naseem “is express fast and can give further impetus to the fast bowling department, which already boasts Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shahnawaz 

Dani.”

Naseem has taken 33 wickets in 13 test matches but is yet to make his international debut in the shorter formats. Wasim said Naseem has “demonstrated with the red ball that he is an attacking option with good pace and controlled swing.”

Pakistan will play a three-match ODI series against the Netherlands in Rotterdam from Aug. 16-21 before competing in the Asia Cup from Aug. 27 to Sept. 11. 

Opening batters Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha, and leg-spinner Zahid Mehmood will be part of 

ODI team.

Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Usman Qadir will join the squad for the Asia Cup.

Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi was retained in both squads after missing out on last month’s second test against Sri Lanka because of a knee injury.

The PCB said Afridi’s rehabilitation program will be overseen by the team trainer and physiotherapist.

Pakistan’s training camp will be held in Lahore from Aug. 6-11 before the squad flies to Amsterdam on 

Aug. 12.