The Asia Cup 2022 will see all the big Asian players in action. India and Pakistan are sure to clash at least once in the tournament. The championship provides the other Asian nations to challenge the powerhouse that is India. It will be a fitting dress rehearsal for all the Asian teams to prepare for the T20 World Cup later.
The tournament that was supposed to be played in 2020 was pushed back owing to the pandemic. A lot of water has passed since the last edition of the Asia cup that was played in 2018. There are a few giants of the game who will be missing in action from Asia Cup 2022.
We look at 5 such big players Missing From The Asia Cup 2022:
#5 Shoaib Malik
He was a pivotal member of the squad even until the T20 World Cup last year. Shoaib Malik was one of the finishers of the tournament. It seemed as if the veteran still had plenty of gas left in him. But his shock omission from the squad suggests otherwise. The myriad ways of working of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have stumped the fans. Malik will be missed in this edition of the Asia Cup.
#4 Harshal Patel
He was one of the players who created a huge difference for the team post the T20 World Cup 2021. Harshal Patel was effective with his clever variations. His ability to outthink batsmen kept him in the game always. But a freak injury has ruled him out of the tournament. There is speculation that he might miss out on the World Cup too, later this year.
#3 Shikhar Dhawan
There are very few left-handers in the modern game who are as elegant as Shikhar Dhawan. He was someone who loved playing in the Asia Cup. Dhawan has formidable numbers in this tournament. He played a key role in India’s win in the 2018 edition. But Dhawan has not found favour in this format for quite some time now. He won’t be featuring in the Asia cup this year.
#2 Shaheen Shah Afridi
His absence will be felt the most amongst the Pakistani fans. Shaheen Shah Afridi was the wrecker-in-chief the last time these two sides met in a T20 game. Afridi literally ensured India’s shocking exit from the T20 World Cup 2021. He has been lying low owing to some injury. Afridi has been ruled out from the tournament.
#1 Jasprit Bumrah
Arguably the biggest name to be missing from the tournament is Jasprit Bumrah. He has been the best bowler across formats in the last 4-5 years. Bumrah is expected to lead the Indian bowling in the T20 World Cup. The Asia Cup would have been a big preparation for Bumrah. But the pacer nursing an injury will miss out on this edition of the tournament.
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