Web desk: Pakistan has announced its 17-member squad for the upcoming Tri-Nation Series and the Asia Cup 2025, with former captain Babar Azam and senior wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan left out of the side.
The announcement was made on Sunday during a press conference by head coach Mike Hesson and chief selector Aqib Javed. They confirmed that middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as the new captain, signalling what they called a “new direction” for the national team.
The squad includes a blend of young and experienced cricketers. Among the batters are Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, and Hasan Nawaz, while Mohammad Haris and Hussain Talat have also been picked. All-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah strengthen the middle order.
The bowling line-up features both pace and spin options, with Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, and Salman Mirza forming the pace attack, while Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed provide spin options.
Chief selector Aqib Javed told reporters that most of the squad comprises players who have featured in the last three series. “Selections were made on performance and consistency,” he said, noting that players such as Hasan Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Sahibzada Farhan had been rewarded for their form.
The exclusion of senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan has surprised fans and cricket analysts, as both have been permanent members of the side for several years. However, the management has emphasised its focus on younger players currently in form.
Full Squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Salman Mirza, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed.
Tri-Series 2025 schedule (Sharjah Cricket Stadium)
| Date | Match | Time (Local) |
|---|---|---|
| 29 August | Afghanistan vs Pakistan | 7:00 PM |
| 30 August | UAE vs Pakistan | 7:00 PM |
| 1 September | UAE vs Afghanistan | 7:00 PM |
| 2 September | Pakistan vs Afghanistan | 7:00 PM |
| 4 September | Pakistan vs UAE | 7:00 PM |
| 5 September | Afghanistan vs UAE | 7:00 PM |
| 7 September | Final | 7:00 PM |
ACC Asia Cup T20 2025 – Pakistan fixtures
| Date | Match | Venue (UAE) | Time (Local) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 September | Oman vs Pakistan | DICS, Dubai | 6:00 PM |
| 14 September | India vs Pakistan | DICS, Dubai | 6:00 PM |
| 17 September | UAE vs Pakistan | DICS, Dubai | 6:00 PM |
| 20–26 Sept | Super Fours Fixtures | Abu Dhabi & Dubai | TBC |
| 28 September | Final | DICS, Dubai | 6:00 PM |
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