The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a surprising 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which will be held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from September 9 to 28. In a major shake-up, star players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been excluded from the team. All-rounder Salman Ali Agha will captain the side.
This marks the first time in eight years that Babar Azam will miss the Asia Cup. The decision to leave out Azam and Rizwan has raised eyebrows, considering their experience and past performances in the T20 format. However, the PCB seems to be prioritizing current form and impact.
The 17-member squad includes a mix of experienced players and promising youngsters. Senior players like Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, and Faheem Ashraf have been included. Youngsters such as Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Haris have also been given a chance to showcase their talent. Mohammad Haris will serve as the wicket-keeper. The squad also features Abrar Ahmed, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza, and Sufyan Moqim.
Mike Hesson, the head coach, explained that the selections were made with a focus on strike rate, match-ups, and overall impact. He noted that Babar Azam is working on improving his strike rate, particularly against spin during the middle overs, and that the door is not closed for him. Aaqib Javed, Director of High Performance, emphasized that places in the national side must be earned through present performance.
Pakistan will participate in a tri-series in Sharjah from August 29 to September 7, featuring Afghanistan and the UAE, before the Asia Cup. In the Asia Cup, Pakistan is placed in Group A alongside India, Oman, and the UAE. They will play their first match against Oman on September 12, followed by ahigh-stakes match against India on September 14. The team will then face the UAE on September 17.
Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025:
The exclusion of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan is a bold move by the PCB. It remains to be seen whether this decision will pay off in the Asia Cup 2025.
