Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed a 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE. The selection has shocked many fans as star players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Naseem Shah have been left out.
This marks a big change in Pakistan’s approach, as the selectors and head coach Mike Hesson are focusing on a more aggressive style of cricket, especially in T20 matches.
New Captain, New Direction
- Salman Ali Agha has been named the new captain of Pakistan’s T20 squad.
- According to Mike Hesson, Babar Azam and Rizwan were asked to “work on their strike rates” and overall T20 impact before returning to the team.
- The team’s strategy now is to build a lineup that scores faster and plays fearless cricket.
Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 Squad
- Salman Ali Agha (c)
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Ali
- Faheem Ashraf
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Mohammad Waseem Jr
- Saim Ayub
- Fakhar Zaman
- Mohammad Haris (wk)
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Khushdil Shah
- Hussain Talat
- Hasan Nawaz
- Salman Mirza
- Abrar Ahmed
- Sufyan Moqim
Why Were Senior Players Dropped?
- Babar Azam: Strike rate in T20Is was considered too low for the team’s new aggressive style. Selectors want him to focus on faster scoring before making a comeback.
- Mohammad Rizwan: Despite consistency, his slow scoring rate was seen as a drawback in the powerplay. The team is looking for openers who can maximize the first six overs.
- Naseem Shah: Missed out due to a mix of form issues and injury concerns.The selectors also want him fully fit before major tournaments like the World Cup.
The decision is part of a long-term plan to give more chances to young players who can play attacking cricket.
Fresh Faces to Watch Out For
- Saim Ayub – A fearless opening batsman, known for quick scoring. He is expected to give Pakistan explosive starts in the powerplay.
- Hasan Nawaz – A rising top-order batter with good domestic numbers. His clean hitting ability makes him a future prospect for Pakistan’s batting unit.
- Abrar Ahmed – Mystery spinner, effective in UAE conditions. His variations could trouble batters on slow and turning pitches.
- Sufyan Moqim – Left-arm spinner, handy in middle overs. He can also add depth to the lower order with his batting skills.
- Sahibzada Farhan – A solid hitter in the middle order. His aggressive intent makes him valuable in chasing big totals.
Upcoming Matches & Asia Cup Schedule
- Before the Asia Cup, Pakistan will play a T20 tri-series in Sharjah against UAE and Afghanistan from 29 August to 7 September.
- The Asia Cup 2025 will be played from 9 to 28 September in the UAE.
Pakistan’s group stage fixtures:
- vs Oman – 12 September
- vs India – 14 September
- vs UAE – 17 September
Conclusion
Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad shows a new direction for the team. Big names like Babar Azam, Rizwan, and Naseem are missing, but the management believes in giving opportunities to young, attacking cricketers. With Salman Ali Agha as captain and a fresh group of players, Pakistan is aiming to play fearless cricket and challenge strong teams like India and Sri Lanka.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
