|| CF DESK ||

Pakistan have announced squads for their upcoming ODI series against the Netherlands and the T20I Asia Cup.

Babar Azam has been named the captain of the squad and Shadab Khan will be his deputy for the tournament.

Pakistan made five changes from the Netherlands ODI squad to the ACC T20 Asia Cup side. Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Haris, Salman Ali Agha and Zahid Mehmood will be replaced by Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed and Usman Qadir.

"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," PCB chief selector Muhammad Wasim said.

"Hasan has been given a break from international cricket and he has been replaced by Naseem Shah.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,"

"Salman Ali Agha has been recalled to the ODI side after he performed well in the past two Pakistan Cup tournaments, averaging 40.33 and 48.8, respectively. He also gives Babar Azam an additional bowling option," he added.

The Asia Cup will be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 27 August to 11 September, while the ODI series against the Netherlands will take place from August 16-21.

Pakistan squad for Netherlands ODIs: