Asia Cup 2022: 'Pakistan Doesn't Have His Replacement. Tell me, Is There Anyone?': Pakistan Great Furious With Star's Shock Asia Cup Absence

Pakistan’s team for the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022, which will take place in the United Arab Emirates from August 27 to September 11, was unveiled on Tuesday.

Hasan Ali was taken off the team for the continental event, but seasoned batter Shoaib Malik was also left off the roster. Malik was a crucial member of the Pakistan T20I team up till last year and competed for the team in the World Cup in October and November. 

Pakistan Does Not Have Replacement For Shoaib Malik: Aaqib Javed

Some people were confused by Malik’s absence, and former Pakistani cricketer Aaqib Javed thinks that Pakistan hasn’t yet found a successor for the seasoned all-rounder.

According to Javed, Malik “fully fits” the fourth position in the XI in the shortest format, according to pak.tv. 

“Pakistan doesn’t have a replacement for Shoaib Malik. He perfectly fits at the No.4 spot. Tell me is there anyone apart from him?” he said. 

Shan Masood Should Be Tested At No.4: Aaqib Javed

The former spinner, who played for the nation in 22 Tests and 163 ODIs, said that Pakistan should give Shan Masood a chance in the T20 Internationals; however, the batter is not included in the roster for the Asia Cup either. 

“I have been saying this for a long time now that Shan Masood should be tested at this position. Viewing grounds of Australia, a batter playing proper cricketing shots would succeed there,” he insisted. 

Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, and Asif Ali were chosen for the squad, and Javed said that while Iftikhar hasn’t been reliable in his performances over the last several years, the other two are “one-dimensional.” 

“Iftikhar Ahmed is in and out for last five years and has not made an impact while Khushdil Shah and Asif Ali is one-dimensional players,” said the former cricketer. 

Pakistan will play in a three-match ODI series against the Netherlands before the Asia Cup. In both series, Babar Azam will serve as the team’s captain. 

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