The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 and the Tri-series in UAE. In a surprising move, former captain Babar Azam and star wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan have once again been left out of the T20 squad.
Group Placement and Fixtures
Pakistan have been drawn in Group A of the Asia Cup 2025 alongside India, Oman, and UAE. The team will kick off their campaign on 12 September against Oman, followed by the highly anticipated clash against India on 14 September. However, political tensions between the two nations raise uncertainty over whether the India–Pakistan match will actually take place.
Before the Asia Cup, Pakistan will feature in a Tri-series against UAE and Afghanistan beginning 29 August, which will serve as key preparation for the tournament starting 9 September.
Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025
- Salman Ali Agha (Captain)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Faheem Ashraf
- Fakhar Zaman
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Ali
- Hasan Nawaz
- Hussain Talat
- Khushdil Shah
- Mohammad Haris (Wicketkeeper)
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Mohammad Wasim Jr.
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Mirza
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Sufiyan Muqeem
Key Highlights of the Selection
The squad features a mix of experienced and young players. Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Fakhar Zaman, and Khushdil Shah add depth with their international experience, while Mohammad Haris retains his spot as the primary wicketkeeper.
Selectors have also placed trust in rising stars like Hasan Nawaz, Salman Mirza, and Sufiyan Muqeem. Notably, 31-year-old Salman Mirza has been rewarded for his impressive performance in Bangladesh, where he picked up 7 wickets in 3 matches at an economy rate of 5.21.
Coaching and Leadership
Salman Ali Agha will continue to lead the side under new head coach Mike Hesson, who has overlooked senior players Babar Azam and Rizwan for this mega event.
With a combination of seasoned campaigners and fresh faces, Pakistan will look to make a strong statement in the Asia Cup, though the absence of their two biggest names—Babar and Rizwan—remains the most talked-about decision.