(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan Squad Announcement for UAE Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025 Expected Soon
With the West Indies tour nearing its end, Pakistan cricket fans can look forward to the next big update — the squad announcement for the UAE Tri-Nation Series and the Asia Cup 2025 is expected in the coming days.
According to local media reports, the tri-series — featuring Afghanistan and the UAE — could see the return of some fresh faces. Pacer Salman Mirza and all-rounder Ahmed Daniyal, who impressed against Bangladesh, are likely to make a comeback, boosting Pakistan’s bowling depth.
In a strategic move, star pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf are expected to be rested for the tri-series as part of workload management. Both are set to return for the Asia Cup, where Pakistan will need them at their best.
Selectors are also considering taking a 16-member squad instead of the usual 15, with final decisions to be made by head coach Mike Hesson and the captain after the West Indies tour.
A major boost for Pakistan will be the return of Fakhar Zaman. The explosive opener has been out since suffering a hamstring injury against the West Indies but is on track to be fit for both the tri-series and the Asia Cup.
The PCB is expected to announce squads for both tournaments in the coming week.
The tri-series will be held at Sharjah Cricket Stadium from 29 August, with Pakistan facing Afghanistan under the lights in the opening match. Each team will play the others twice before the top two meet in the final on 7 September.
For Pakistan, these Sharjah games will be more than just warm-ups — they’re a chance to fine-tune combinations, test bench strength, and send a strong message ahead of the Asia Cup.
