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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 17-member squad for Asia Cup 2025 and the UAE T20I tri-series against Afghanistan and the hosts, with Salman Ali Agha appointed captain of the side.
Surprisingly, senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Naseem Shah were excluded from the squad as the board shifted towards youth blended with international experience.
Selectors indicated their aim is quick starts in the powerplay, stability in the middle, and wicket-taking options in the UAE’s challenging conditions at Dubai and Sharjah stadiums.
At the top order, Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman bring left-handed power, while Sahibzada Farhan adds range and reliability. Mohammad Haris offers attacking wicketkeeping-batting, supported by young middle order batter Hassan Nawaz.
Pakistan’s pace attack is led by Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, with Hasan Ali and Salman Mirza adding depth. Mohammad Wasim Jr. returns after recovering from a long-term injury layoff.
In spin, mystery bowler Abrar Ahmed joins Mohammad Nawaz and Sufyan Muqeem, giving Pakistan three different options through the middle overs, which often decide matches on UAE pitches.
The T20I tri-series begins in Sharjah from August 29 to September 7, where Pakistan face Afghanistan and UAE twice each before the final. Rotation for fast bowlers is expected.
Selectors are closely monitoring Fakhar Zaman’s hamstring recovery, which is vital for top-order balance. Under Salman Agha’s captaincy, the team is focused on role clarity and stronger fielding standards.
Pakistan’s 17-member squad:
Salman Ali Agha (c), Mohammad Haris (wk), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, Sufyan Muqeem.
