ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 and the T20 International tri-series in the UAE. All-rounder Salman Ali Agha will lead the national side in both competitions.
The squad is a balanced combination of youthful PSL performers and experienced internationals, chosen with UAE conditions in mind, where matches will be held in Dubai and Sharjah.
Batting Options Focus on Aggression
Selectors have placed strong emphasis on fast starts and middle-order stability. Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman bring left-handed firepower at the top, while Sahibzada Farhan adds consistency and stability.
Mohammad Haris, who will also take the wicketkeeping gloves, is expected to accelerate scoring in the middle overs alongside young prospect Hassan Nawaz, giving Pakistan the ability to maintain attacking momentum throughout the innings.
Pace Attack Led by Shaheen and Rauf
Pakistan’s bowling line-up looks equally strong. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf will spearhead the pace attack, backed by Hasan Ali and the energetic Salman Mirza.
In the spin department, Abrar Ahmed’s mystery spin, Mohammad Nawaz’s left-arm control, and Sufyan Muqeem’s variations provide multiple options for the middle overs—an important factor on slow UAE pitches.
A major highlight is the return of Mohammad Wasim Jr., who rejoins the squad after recovering from a long injury layoff.
Tight Schedule Ahead
Pakistan will first compete in the T20I tri-series in Sharjah from August 29 to September 7, facing Afghanistan and UAE twice each before the final.
The Asia Cup 2025 will follow, with Pakistan beginning their campaign against Oman on September 12, facing traditional rivals India on September 14, and taking on UAE on September 17.
Given the tight schedule, team management is expected to rotate the fast bowlers during the tri-series and assess whether an additional spinner or a seam all-rounder is better suited for the Asia Cup.
Key Concerns Before the Tournament
Two areas remain under close observation:
- Fakhar Zaman’s Fitness – Fakhar is recovering from a hamstring issue, and his availability is crucial for Pakistan’s batting balance. His inclusion allows flexibility with left-right combinations at the top order.
- Leadership under Salman Ali Agha – The new captain is tasked with ensuring role clarity, sharper fielding standards, and disciplined match-up strategies as Pakistan heads into a packed international season.
Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025 and UAE Tri-Series
- Salman Ali Agha (c)
- Mohammad Haris (wk)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Faheem Ashraf
- Fakhar Zaman
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Ali
- Hassan Nawaz
- Hussain Talat
- Khushdil Shah
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Mohammad Wasim Jr.
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Mirza
- Shaheen Afridi
- Sufyan Muqeem
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