Pakistan squad for Asia Cup 2025 revealed: No Babar Azam, Rizwan
The Pakistan squad for Asia Cup 2025 has been revealed, and two of the country’s biggest stars — Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan — are not part of the team. Instead, Salman Agha will captain the side, while Fakhar Zaman returns after recovering from a hamstring injury. This announcement has sparked debate, as both senior batters were expected to feature in the UAE tournament.
Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025 Announced
A 17-member Pakistan squad for Asia Cup 2025 will also compete in the tri-series against Afghanistan and the UAE. Salman Agha takes charge of a group that combines experienced names with rising stars. Sahibzada Farhan, who impressed with three Player-of-the-Match awards in just six games, keeps his spot. Shaheen Shah Afridi returns as the spearhead of the bowling attack, but Naseem Shah misses out again.
🇵🇰 Pakistan announces squad for Asia Cup 2025
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) August 17, 2025
• Captain: Salman Ali Agha
• Wicketkeeper: Mohammad Haris
📸 Getty #AsiaCup2025 #PakistanCricket #SalmanAliAgha #MohammadHaris #PCB #CricketUpdates pic.twitter.com/JMVfJ55MC8
Why Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan Miss Out
Head coach Mike Hesson explained that both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan must refine their T20 approach. Babar scored 288 runs in PSL 2025 with a strike rate of 128.57, yet his strike rotation against spin has raised concerns. Rizwan, meanwhile, has struggled for consistency, scoring just one half-century in the recent ODI series against West Indies. Hesson suggested that performing in leagues like the BBL could help both regain their T20 edge.
Key Picks in Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025
Selectors have opted for a balanced mix in the Pakistan squad for Asia Cup 2025. Salman Mirza, the leading wicket-taker in the Bangladesh T20I series, earned a place. Wristspinners Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem also strengthen the attack. With power hitters in the top order, Hesson remains committed to an aggressive batting strategy.
Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 Challenge
The tri-series will serve as preparation before the Asia Cup 2025 begins on September 9 in the UAE. Pakistan has never won the T20 version of this tournament, last reaching the final in 2022. Without Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, the spotlight falls on fresh faces to deliver results and take Pakistan closer to an elusive T20 Asia Cup title.
