(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan Announces 17-Member Squad for Asia Cup 2025 and T20I Tri-Series in UAE
Pakistan has unveiled its 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 and the T20I tri-series in the UAE against Afghanistan and the host nation. Salman Ali Agha will lead the team, which combines seasoned players from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with experienced internationals, all geared up for the conditions in Dubai and Sharjah.
Squad Overview
The team is structured to focus on strong powerplay starts, solid middle-order batting, and wicket-taking options through the middle overs. Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman bring left-handed strength at the top of the order, while Sahibzada Farhan will add depth and stability.
Mohammad Haris, the wicketkeeper-batter, is expected to maintain the tempo and keep the run rate up between overs 7 to 15, with support from the talented Hassan Nawaz.
Bowling Attack
The bowling unit will be spearheaded by Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, with support from the experienced Hasan Ali and the dynamic Salman Mirza. Abrar Ahmed brings mystery spin, paired with Mohammad Nawaz’s left-arm spin and Sufyan Muqeem’s angle variations. This diverse bowling attack is expected to be crucial on UAE’s pitches, which often play a key role in match outcomes.
Mohammad Wasim Jr. also makes his return to the international team after a long injury layoff.
Upcoming Schedule
The squad will begin preparations with a T20I tri-series in Sharjah, scheduled from August 29 to September 7, where they will face Afghanistan and UAE twice each before the final. Following the tri-series, the Asia Cup 2025 will begin with Pakistan’s first match against Oman on September 12, followed by a high-profile clash against India on September 14, and a game against the UAE on September 17.
Given the tight schedule, Pakistan is expected to rotate their pace bowlers during the tri-series, while also closely evaluating the choice between the second spinner or seam all-rounder.
Key Considerations
Two important factors to watch during the build-up are Fakhar Zaman’s hamstring management following his recent injury, as his presence offers left-right batting combinations at the top. The other factor is the leadership rhythm under Salman Agha, with an emphasis on role clarity, improved fielding standards, and a disciplined approach to match-ups.
Full Squad
-
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
