The squad features Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, and Fakhar Zaman, while Salman Ali Agha will lead the side. Other notable names include Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, and Shaheen Afridi.

Additionally, Haris Rauf, Salman Mirza, Hasan Ali, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, and Mohammad Wasim Jr. have also been included.

Selector Aqib Javed said the selection largely mirrors the group that participated in the last three series. He emphasized that the chosen players were picked based on availability and recent performances, praising Hasan Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Sahibzada Farhan for their contributions.

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Speaking to reporters in Lahore, head coach Mike Hesson highlighted that Pakistan’s current priority is T20 cricket as preparations intensify for the Asia Cup and triangular series.

“We’ve won six of our last nine T20s, so our focus remains on strengthening this format. These matches are key in our buildup to the Asia Cup and the tri-series,” Hesson said.

He added that the management is working to build depth across the squad. Commenting on Babar Azam, Hesson acknowledged his strong start in the first ODI but noted there is still room for improvement.

Reflecting on recent fixtures, Hesson said Pakistan faced the challenge of playing on three very different pitches within a short timeframe. “Sharjah tends to favor spinners, which will test us,” he remarked.

He described Afghanistan as a formidable opponent, stressing that matches against them would provide valuable preparation. Hesson also pointed to the pressure moments in the last two T20s against the West Indies, where Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali delivered impressive bowling performances.