Pakistan arrive in Dubai ahead of Asia Cup

Pakistan Cricket Team arrived in Dubai, United Arab Emirate (UAE) early Tuesday morning to participate in the Asia Cup tournament, Radio Pakistan reported.

The two-week event will take place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from September 15 to 28. It features teams from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Hong Kong.

Last week, International Cricket Council (ICC) awarded ODI status to all matches in the Asia Cup.

The Men in Green will face the qualifying team in their first match on September 16, whereas the match against arch-rivals India will be played on September 19 in Dubai.

The 16-member squad, announced by Chief selector Inzamamul Haq, includes Fakhar Zaman, Imamul Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Asif Ali, Haris Sohail, Shadab Khan, Muhammad Nawaz, Fahim Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Muhammad Amir, Junaid Khan, Usman Khan Shinwari, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

The major absentee form the squad who thrashed Zimbabwe 5-0 in their last 50-over assignment was veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez, who is being replaced by opener Shan Masood.

The left-hander has been inducted as the third opener for the team alongside Fakhar Zaman and Imamul Haq.

All-rounder Imad Wasim has been left out of the squad after failing to pass the fitness test during the ongoing training camp in Lahore.