The PCB has unveiled the 17-member Pakistan Squad for the Asia Cup 2025, where several stars, Babar Azam and Rizwan, have been left out.
Meanwhile, star pacer Shaheen Afridi and Fakhar Zaman have been named in the squad, with Salman Ali Agha named as the captain.
The team will comprise prominent players like Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf and also youngsters like Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz.
Pakistan, who were grouped along with India, UAE and Oman, will be facing Oman in the first game, before facing their arch-rivals India.
Pakistan did not have a good outing in the Asia Cup 2023, which was played in ODI format, as they failed to reach the finals. However, they were runners up in the Asia Cup 2022.
“There’s no doubt Babar’s been asked to improve in some areas around taking on spin and in terms of his strike rate. Those are things he’s working really hard on,” head coach Mike Hesson said.
“But at the moment, the players we have have done exceptionally well. Sahibzada Farhan has played six games and won three Player of the Match awards. A player like Babar has an opportunity to play in the BBL and show he’s improving in those areas in T20s. He’s too good a player not to consider.”
Meanwhil, left-arm seamer Salman Mirza and all-rounder Mohammad Wasim are the additional inclusions.
Ahead of the continental tournament, Pakistan will play a tri-nation series against Afghanistan and UAE.
The tri series will be played between August 29 and September 07 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan Squad: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sufyan Moqim.
