Pakistan have introduced their squad for the Asia Cup 2025, set to be performed within the UAE, and the choice has already sparked debate amongst followers. Whereas the group appears balanced with a mixture of youth and expertise, the absence of two of the nation’s largest names—Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan—has caught everybody’s consideration.
No place for Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan
In a shocking transfer, Pakistan have introduced a 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 within the UAE, with star batters Babar and Rizwan lacking from the checklist. The selectors have opted for a mix of expertise and younger expertise, inserting their religion in a brand new management group. Salman Agha has been appointed as captain of the facet.
Each Babar and Rizwan haven’t been a part of Pakistan’s current T20I assignments and their absence from the Asia Cup squad confirms the selectors’ intention to look past the 2 senior batters, no less than within the shortest format.
Babar, who final featured in a T20I in December 2024, showcased glimpses of type within the 2025 Pakistan Tremendous League (PSL) with scores of 56*, 53*, and 94 for Peshawar Zalmi. Nonetheless, he struggled within the ODI collection towards West Indies with scores of 47, 0, and 9. Rizwan, equally, has not been in Pakistan’s T20I combine because the Bangladesh and West Indies excursions earlier this 12 months. He too had blended outings within the current ODI collection, registering 53 within the first match however failing within the subsequent two with scores of 16 and 0.
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Fakhar Zaman returns from harm
One of many positives for Pakistan is the return of left-handed opener Fakhar Zaman. He had been sidelined on account of a hamstring harm suffered within the West Indies however has regained health in time for the Asia Cup. His inclusion provides depth to Pakistan’s prime order. Earlier than heading into the Asia Cup, Pakistan may even characteristic in a tri-series towards hosts UAE and Afghanistan. This may present the group with a possibility to fine-tune their mixtures forward of the key event.
Pakistan squad for Asia Cup 2025: 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, Sufyan Moqim.
Additionally READ: Mohammad Kaif picks his India XI for the Asia Cup 2025; no place for Shubman Gill
