Pakistan Cricket Board Announces 17-Member Squad for Asia Cup and Tri-Nation Series

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled its national squad for the upcoming Asia Cup and the tri-nation T20I series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), producing significant buzz in the cricket world. The biggest talking point is the exclusion of two of Pakistan’s most prominent players, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, signaling a new direction as the board looks to test fresh combinations ahead of future tournaments.

Salman Ali Agha Leads as Captain

The major responsibility of captaincy has been handed to all-rounder Salman Ali Agha, underlining a shift towards grooming leadership depth within the squad. Salman, known for his composure and skill in both batting and bowling, will lead a team comprising a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent. His appointment comes at a crucial juncture, as Pakistan aims to rework its strategies and build a versatile team for the challenges that lie ahead.

A Blend of Experience and Youth

The 17-member squad named by the PCB reflects a healthy mix of experience and promising youngsters. Established names such as Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Shaheen Shah Afridi bring stability and proven performance to the lineup. The inclusion of Hasan Ali adds further depth to the bowling department, while Mohammad Nawaz and Khushdil Shah provide flexibility with their all-round capabilities.

Emerging players like Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper), Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Sahibzada Farhan have also been given a chance to showcase their talent on the international stage. This approach demonstrates the selectors’ intent to broaden the player base and identify future stars who can serve Pakistan cricket in the years to come.

Notable Absentees: Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan

The biggest headline from the announcement is undoubtedly the omission of former captain Babar Azam and star wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan. Both players have been central figures in Pakistan’s batting lineup over the past few years, making their absence a bold and strategic decision by the selectors. The move is widely interpreted as an effort to explore new combinations and provide opportunities to other players to step up and claim their place in the squad.

This decision reflects a forward-thinking approach from the PCB, focusing on experimentation and flexibility. As Pakistan prepares for a packed international calendar, giving rest to key players and testing bench strength has become an essential part of modern cricket management.

Full Squad List for Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025

The 17-member squad announced for the twin assignments is as follows:

• Salman Ali Agha (captain)
• Abrar Ahmed
• Faheem Ashraf
• Fakhar Zaman
• Haris Rauf
• Hasan Ali
• Hasan Nawaz
• Hussain Talat
• Khushdil Shah
• Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper)
• Mohammad Nawaz
• Mohammad Wasim Jr.
• Sahibzada Farhan
• Saim Ayub
• Salman Mirza
• Shaheen Shah Afridi
• Sufiyan Muqeem

Tri-Nation Series and Asia Cup Preparation

The upcoming tri-nation T20I series—involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE—will commence on August 29 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The tournament is designed as a preparatory platform ahead of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup, which will also be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28, 2025. The series format ensures that each team will face the others twice, guaranteeing all sides at least four matches before the top two qualify for the final on September 7.

This initiative by the PCB provides invaluable match practice for all participating teams, allowing them to acclimatise to local conditions and fine-tune their strategies ahead of the continental showpiece. For Pakistan, the competition will be an opportunity to test their new-look squad and finalise combinations for the Asia Cup.