Pakistan’s cricket selectors have rolled out an exciting 17-player lineup, with all-rounder Salman Ali Agha taking the helm as captain, for the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 and a preparatory T20I tri-series in the United Arab Emirates. This blend of emerging talents and seasoned pros aims to deliver explosive performances against tough rivals like India, Afghanistan, and others in the coming weeks.
Squad Breakdown and Key Selections
The team emphasizes aggressive batting from the outset and versatile bowling options suited to the spin-friendly pitches in Dubai and Sharjah. Young guns mix with reliable veterans to ensure depth across all departments.
Here’s the full Pakistan squad for both tournaments:
- Salman Ali Agha (Captain)
- Mohammad Haris (Wicketkeeper)
- 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
This selection comes after careful consideration of recent domestic performances, including standout showings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where several players honed their skills in high-pressure scenarios.
Strategic Focus and Player Highlights
At the top of the order, left-handers Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman are expected to provide fiery openings, while Sahibzada Farhan brings consistency to stabilize innings. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris adds flair with his quick scoring, and newcomer Hassan Nawaz could shine in the middle overs to keep the momentum going.
On the bowling front, pace spearheads Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf will anchor the attack, supported by the experienced Hasan Ali and rising star Salman Mirza. Spinners Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, and Sufyan Muqeem offer variety, which could prove vital in restricting opponents during the crucial middle phase. Notably, Mohammad Wasim Jr. makes a welcome comeback following his recovery from a prolonged injury, adding all-round balance.
Selectors have prioritized adaptability, with an eye on left-right batting combinations and targeted fielding drills to exploit match-ups effectively.
Tournament Schedule and Preparations
The action kicks off with the tri-series in Sharjah, running from August 29 to September 7. Pakistan will clash with Afghanistan and UAE twice each in the round-robin stage, culminating in a final showdown. This warmup is designed to fine-tune strategies before the Asia Cup kicks in.
In the Asia Cup, Pakistan faces Oman on September 12, followed by a high-stakes encounter against arch-rivals India on September 14, and UAE on September 17. Given the back-to-back fixtures, team management may rotate fast bowlers to manage workloads and experiment with an extra spinner or seamer based on pitch conditions.
Challenges Ahead and Expectations
One major concern revolves around Fakhar Zaman’s fitness, particularly his hamstring issues from recent outings, which could impact the batting lineup’s flexibility. Additionally, Salman Ali Agha’s captaincy will be under the spotlight, with the board stressing clear roles and disciplined execution on the field.
As Pakistan looks to reclaim glory in regional cricket, fans are buzzing with optimism. The squad’s mix of youth and experience positions them well for success in these UAE-hosted events, potentially setting the tone for future international campaigns.
