How Pakistan changed their playing XI at toss for PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2023 Super Four clash after announcing their XI yesterday

The winner of Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Super Four match will face India in the Asia Cup 2023 final.

In Asia Cup 2023 super four clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, something unusual happened. Pakistan have been following a consistent practice throughout the ongoing tournament by announcing their playing XI a day before the match. However, in this particular game, something different happened.

Pakistan had announced their playing XI for the Super Four match against Sri Lanka yesterday evening, but made changes in the announced playing XI at the toss today in a rain-curtailed 45-over side game.

This move from Babar Azam-led side has left many fans and enthusiasts confused as how could a team change their playing XI even after announcing it.

Is changing the playing XI allowed?

Yes, this rule says it is allowed and we saw it happening in this match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. In cricket, the rule says a team's captain must give his final list of playing XI at the toss, right before the game starts. So, even though Pakistan had shared their lineup the day before, it wasn't official until the captain handed over the team sheet to the match referee and captain of opponent team at the toss. This allowed them to make changes in their playing XI at the last moment.

Pakistan made two changes to their playing XI , Imam-ul-Haq and Saud Shakeel have been replaced by Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique. Imam-ul-Haq is suffering with back spasm, while Saud Shakeel is down with fever which was informed by the skipper Babar Azam told during the toss.

"Imam has a back spasm. Fakhar comes back. Saud Shakeel has fever. Abdullah Shafique is playing." Babar Azam said during the toss.

This incident also highlights how important the toss is in cricket. It's not just about who gets to bat or bowl first; it's also the moment when teams make their final decisions about their lineup.