Pakistan have announced their squad for the Asia Cup in the UAE, with a few big names missing out. Star batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have not been included, while Fakhar Zaman has recovered from a recent hamstring injury and returns to the side.
The 17-member squad will be led by Salman Agha. Babar Azam last featured in a T20I back in December 2024. During the PSL 2025 season, he scored 288 runs in 10 matches for Peshawar Zalmi, including three notable knocks of 56*, 53* and 94. However, his overall strike rate of 128.57 raised questions about his suitability for Pakistan’s new aggressive batting approach. He was also part of the recent ODI series against West Indies, where he scored 47, 0 and 9.
Mohammad Rizwan has also been absent from Pakistan’s recent T20I squads. He played in the same ODI series against West Indies, with scores of 53, 16 and 0. Despite his experience, the selectors have chosen to continue looking at other options for the shortest format.
Afridi returns, Naseem misses out
Fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has been given another chance in T20 cricket after being sidelined in recent months. However, Naseem Shah has not been selected, with the young pacer currently playing in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Lahore Qalandars seamer Salman Mirza, who impressed with eight wickets in the T20I series against Bangladesh, has been rewarded with a spot. Another pacer, Ahmed Daniyal, missed out despite brief good performances.
Pakistan have retained both specialist wrist-spinners, Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem, who were part of the recent T20I series.
Meanwhile, coach Mike Hesson has kept faith in his preferred top-heavy and aggressive batting approach. The squad is a mix of players used in the last three T20I series, while results from the recent ODI series in the Caribbean - which Pakistan lost 2-1 - did not play a role in selection.
Pakistan squad for Asia Cup 2025: Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.
Salman Agha has been appointed captain of Pakistan’s 17-member squad for the Asia Cup in the UAE.
Why are Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan not part of the squad?
The selectors left out both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan as part of a shift toward a more aggressive T20 approach.
Has Fakhar Zaman recovered from his injury?
Yes, Fakhar Zaman has recovered from a hamstring injury he picked up earlier in August and has been included in Pakistan's Asia Cup squad.
What is the status of Pakistan’s fast-bowling unit?
Shaheen Afridi has been recalled to the T20 side, while Naseem Shah missed out as he is currently playing in the Caribbean Premier League. Young pacer Salman Mirza has been included.
Who are the specialist spinners in the squad?
Pakistan have retained Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem, both specialist wrist-spinners who featured in recent T20I series.
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