Salman Leads New-Look Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025

News Desk

Islamabad: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday unveiled a 17-member squad for the upcoming UAE tri-nation series and the Asia Cup 2025.

All-rounder Salman Ali Agha has been retained as captain of the national side. The squad also sees the inclusion of Hasan Nawaz and Sahibzada Farhan, signaling a blend of experience and young talent.

Senior players such as Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf are key components of the team, while promising youngsters including Saim Ayub, Khushdil Shah, and Hussain Talat have also been selected.

The squad is further bolstered by Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Salman Mirza, and Sufyan Moqim.

The tri-series, involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and hosts UAE, will take place in Sharjah from August 29 to September 7. The Asia Cup 2025 will follow, scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from September 9 to 28.

Speaking at a press conference, PCB’s Director of High Performance Aqib Javed, alongside white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, highlighted the importance of consistency in selection.

“This is the same group that has been performing well recently. Our focus is on maintaining continuity and building towards winning performances,” said Javed.

On the selection of Salman Mirza, Javed credited the pacer’s impressive performance in Bangladesh. “Those who perform will play,” he emphasized.

Sahibzada Farhan’s return and Saim Ayub’s improved performance were also acknowledged. Javed reiterated that selection remains merit-based.

On the absence of key players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, Javed clarified: “We’re not ruling them out for good. They still have a chance to return. For now, others are being given opportunities. Seniors can explore opportunities like the Big Bash League.”

Coach Mike Hesson, reflecting on Babar’s recent form in the West Indies series, stated, “It’s hard to judge based on just three matches. He played well in the first game. We’ve asked him to work on specific areas.”

“If Babar and Rizwan perform at the required level, they will definitely be considered for T20Is. There’s no issue with them—we just have strong alternatives right now,” Hesson added.

Pakistan Squad for UAE Tri-Series & Asia Cup 2025:
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim

UAE Tri-Series Schedule:

• August 29: Afghanistan vs Pakistan
• August 30: UAE vs Pakistan
• September 1: UAE vs Afghanistan
• September 2: Pakistan vs Afghanistan
• September 4: Pakistan vs UAE
• September 5: Afghanistan vs UAE
• September 7: Final

Asia Cup 2025 Fixtures:

• September 9: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong
• September 10: India vs UAE
• September 11: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong
• September 12: Pakistan vs Oman
• September 13: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
• September 14: India vs Pakistan
• September 15: UAE vs Oman
• September 15: Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong
• September 16: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan
• September 17: Pakistan vs UAE
• September 18: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
• September 19: India vs Oman

Super Four Stage:

• September 20: B1 vs B2
• September 21: A1 vs A2
• September 23: A2 vs B1
• September 24: A1 vs B2
• September 25: A2 vs B2
• September 26: A1 vs B1

Final:

• September 28