The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the Pakistan squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in September in the UAE. Notably, the squad does not include veterans Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Instead, the selectors have opted for fresh talent for the tournament. Now, the big question is: what will be Pakistan’s playing XI combination in the Asia Cup 2025?
Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 Squad
Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (Wicket-Keeper), Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Sufyan Moqim, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Salman Mirza
Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan’s Probable Playing XI
Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (Wicket-Keeper), Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed
| Player | Role | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Saim Ayub | Opener | Young left-hander with an aggressive approach and strong T20 form, ideal for powerplay impact. |
| Mohammad Haris (WK) | Opener/WK | Explosive wicket-keeper batsman, provides rapid starts and flexibility with the gloves. |
| Fakhar Zaman | Top-order | Experienced T20 player, brings left-handed power and can anchor or accelerate as needed. |
| Salman Ali Agha (C) | Middle-order | Captain and stabilizer; balances the innings and can adapt his game under pressure. |
| Khushdil Shah | Middle-order | Left-handed finisher with big-hitting ability and handy left-arm spin for matchups. |
| Faheem Ashraf | All-rounder | Provides lower-order firepower and is a reliable seam-bowling option, enhances balance. |
| Mohammad Nawaz | All-rounder | Key left-arm spinner with finishing skills, very effective on UAE pitches and tough batters. |
| Hussain Talat | All-rounder | Adds batting depth and another seam option, known for aggressive finishing. |
| Haris Rauf | Fast Bowler | Pakistan’s premier express pacer, crucial for death overs and picking wickets in middle overs. |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Fast Bowler | New-ball strike bowler and vice-captain, offers wicket-taking ability and intimidating spells. |
| Abrar Ahmed | Spinner | Mystery spinner, valuable on turning UAE tracks and offers variety to bowling attack. |
Bench Strength: Sahibzada Farhan (top-order), Hasan Nawaz (batting flexibility), Sufiyan Muqeem (spin), Hasan Ali (seam backup).
Tactical Notes:
- Pakistan aims for a left/right balance.
- Several all-rounders allow batting till no. 9.
- Spin is prioritized for UAE conditions.
- Powerplay firepower and depth in finishing are key selection criteria