Pakistan announced their 17-member squad for the upcoming T20 Asia Cup in the UAE, with Salman Agha named captain and senior batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan once again left out.
The squad will also feature in a preparatory tri-series against the UAE and Afghanistan before the continental event kicks off on September 9.
Babar and Rizwan Left Out Again
The decision to exclude Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan confirms the selectors’ continued shift away from the long-standing opening pair. Both players were also absent from Pakistan’s recent T20I series against Bangladesh and the West Indies.
- Babar’s recent T20 form: The former captain last featured in a T20 international in December 2024. During the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, he scored 288 runs in ten innings for Peshawar Zalmi at a strike rate of 128.57, including three notable half-centuries (56*, 53*, and 94). Despite consistent runs, his overall scoring rate raised concerns about his fit in Pakistan’s aggressive T20 plans.
- Rizwan’s recent performances: Like Babar, Rizwan has struggled to find a place in recent squads. He posted a solid 53 in the opening ODI against the West Indies earlier this month but followed it with scores of 16 and 0. His T20 exclusion reflects similar concerns over tempo in the shortest format.
Head coach Mike Hesson explained the rationale behind Babar’s omission, noting that while the batter remains world-class, there is an expectation for him to improve against spin and increase his strike rate. Hesson suggested opportunities in overseas leagues, such as the Big Bash in Australia, could help Babar showcase those improvements.
Fakhar Zaman Returns from Injury
One of the most significant inclusions is Fakhar Zaman, who has recovered from a hamstring injury sustained earlier this month. The left-hander is expected to play a central role in the top order, aligning with Pakistan’s push for fast starts in the powerplay.
His return provides balance to the batting unit, with Fakhar’s natural ability to take on pace and spin seen as vital on UAE pitches.
Agha Salman to Lead
The squad will be led by Salman Agha, marking his biggest leadership role yet in international cricket. While not traditionally seen as a T20 specialist, Salman’s consistent all-round contributions and calm presence have earned him the trust of the management.
Pakistan’s leadership reshuffle in the shorter formats has been in line with Hesson’s strategy to move away from over-reliance on long-serving senior players.
Bowling Attack: Shaheen Returns, Naseem Misses Out
In the bowling department, Shaheen Shah Afridi makes his return to the T20 setup after missing out in earlier series. His inclusion gives Pakistan a genuine wicket-taking threat in the powerplay, though his death-over form has been under scrutiny.
Naseem Shah, meanwhile, was overlooked again despite his participation in the Caribbean Premier League. His omission means Pakistan will rely on other pace options, including:
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Ali
- Mohammad Wasim
- Salman Mirza – standout against Bangladesh with eight wickets in the away series
Mirza’s selection highlights the management’s emphasis on form players rather than established names.
Spin Department Stays Consistent
Both specialist wristspinners, Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem, have been retained. Their roles will be crucial in UAE conditions where slow pitches traditionally bring spinners to the forefront.
Alongside them, all-round options Mohammad Nawaz and Khushdil Shah provide additional spin depth and balance to the XI.
Top-Order Focus: Aggression First
Hesson underlined that Pakistan will continue with a top-heavy, aggressive approach. The side’s recent T20I successes have come when openers and top-order batters set the tone early.
Sahibzada Farhan, in particular, has been a revelation with three Player of the Match awards in just six games, cementing his place as a first-choice opener. Saim Ayub also adds another explosive left-handed option.
Hesson’s Vision for T20 Cricket
Speaking at the press conference, Hesson said Pakistan’s strategy was built on lessons from three contrasting series this summer:
- Flat pitches in Lahore led to high-scoring games where the top order dominated.
- Difficult tracks in Bangladesh tested the batting depth in low-scoring contests.
- West Indies tour saw Pakistan chase a massive total with a 138-run opening stand.
Hesson stressed the importance of being “ahead of the game at all times” in T20 cricket, with powerplay dominance setting the platform for success.
Pakistan’s Asia Cup History
Pakistan have never won the T20 Asia Cup since its introduction. Their best result came in 2022 when they reached the final before losing to Sri Lanka.
The 2025 edition begins on September 9 in the UAE, and Pakistan will first use the tri-series against Afghanistan and the UAE as warm-up preparation.
Pakistan Squad for UAE Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025
- Salman Agha (capt)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Faheem Ashraf
- Fakhar Zaman
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Ali
- Hasan Nawaz
- Hussain Talat
- Khushdil Shah
- Mohammad Haris (wk)
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Mohammad Wasim
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Mirza
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Sufiyan Muqeem
The squad represents a blend of youthful aggression and select experience, signaling Pakistan’s intent to fully commit to a fearless T20 brand. The absence of stalwarts Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan is the clearest indication yet of a long-term transition in strategy.
With Fakhar’s return, Farhan’s rise, and Shaheen’s comeback, Pakistan enter the Asia Cup with a fresh but unproven lineup. Whether this bold approach delivers their first T20 Asia Cup title remains to be seen.
