The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its squad for the upcoming Tri-Series in UAE and the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025. Under the leadership of new head coach, Mike Hesson, the team will embark on a new journey with fresh faces. Notably, the squad has decided to overlook star players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who were key members in previous tournaments. Despite their prominent positions in the national setup, both players have been excluded from the team for this prestigious competition.

Pakistan’s Upcoming Matches and the Tri-Series

The Pakistan team will participate in the Tri-Series in UAE, starting from August 29, 2025. The series will also feature Afghanistan and the host country, UAE. This will be followed by the Asia Cup, which is scheduled to begin on September 9, 2025. Pakistan, alongside India, UAE, and Oman, will compete in Group A of the Asia Cup. The excitement surrounding the Asia Cup is immense, especially due to the much-anticipated match between India and Pakistan, which will be held on September 14.

However, the ongoing geopolitical tensions may influence whether this highly awaited encounter happens. The recent developments, such as the Pulwama attack, have led to speculation that India might boycott matches involving Pakistan. This has created uncertainty regarding the fixture, though fans are hoping for a thrilling contest.

Changes in the Pakistan Squad: Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan Excluded

The most notable change in Pakistan’s squad is the exclusion of two stalwarts, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Despite being consistent performers in the past, both have not been included in the T20I squad for the Tri-Series and the Asia Cup 2025. While this decision has raised eyebrows, the selection committee has placed trust in a younger pool of players to make their mark.

Pakistan’s new head coach, Mike Hesson, and the selection committee have decided to experiment with fresh talent for the upcoming tournaments. However, it is important to note that key senior players such as Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, who have been instrumental in Pakistan’s bowling attack, have retained their places in the squad. Alongside them, Fakhar Zaman and Khushdil Shah have also been given spots, providing a sense of stability to the team.

Young Talent Gets a Chance: Rising Stars in Pakistan’s Squad

In a bid to refresh the squad, the Pakistan selectors have included some promising youngsters, giving them an opportunity to shine on the big stage. Among the newcomers are players such as Hassan Nawaz, Salman Mirza, and Sufyan Mokeem, who have shown exceptional promise in their recent performances. One of the noteworthy inclusions is Salman Mirza, a 31-year-old all-rounder, who impressed the selectors with his outstanding performances in Bangladesh.

During the series in Bangladesh, Mirza took seven wickets with an economy rate of 5.21 from three matches, showcasing his potential as an asset for Pakistan. Reflecting on his inclusion, Mike Hesson commented in a press conference that Salman Mirza was included in the squad due to his impressive showing in Bangladesh, emphasizing that he had earned his place based on recent form.

Squad Details: Pakistan’s Team for the Asia Cup 2025

As part of the 17-player squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 and Tri-Series, Pakistan has included a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. The squad for the Asia Cup 2025 is as follows:

• Salman Ali Agha (Captain)

• Abrar Ahmed

• Faheem Ashraf

• Fakhar Zaman

• Haris Rauf

• Hasan Ali

• Hassan Nawaz

• Hussain Talat

• Khushdil Shah

• Mohammad Haris (Wicketkeeper)

• Mohammad Nawaz

• Mohammad Wasim Junior

• Sahebzada Farhan

• Saime Ayub

• Salman Mirza

• Shaheen Shah Afridi

• Sufyan Mokeem

The squad has been carefully selected to provide balance in both batting and bowling departments. Salman Ali Agha will lead the team, bringing his leadership experience to the fore. The squad also includes Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is widely regarded as one of the top pacers in world cricket. Alongside him, Haris Rauf, another prominent fast bowler, will be expected to spearhead the bowling attack.

The Importance of Youth in the Squad

In recent years, Pakistan’s cricket board has been placing a significant emphasis on nurturing young talent and giving them opportunities to perform on the international stage. Players like Hassan Nawaz, Sufyan Mokeem, and Saime Ayub represent the new generation of Pakistani cricketers who are expected to bring fresh energy and innovation to the team. The inclusion of such players reflects the vision of the PCB and head coach Mike Hesson, who are focused on creating a competitive squad for future international tournaments.

Key Matchups and Expectations from the Squad

With the Asia Cup 2025 scheduled to take place in UAE, the environment will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the matches. The high temperatures and dry pitches will test the endurance and skills of the players. Pakistan’s squad is well-balanced, but their ability to handle these challenging conditions will be crucial for their success in the tournament.

The highly anticipated match against India on September 14, 2025, will undoubtedly be one of the biggest attractions of the tournament. However, given the geopolitical tensions between the two countries, there is a possibility that the match might not take place. If the match proceeds, it will be a momentous occasion for cricket fans across the world. Pakistan will look to their experienced campaigners, such as Shaheen Afridi and Fakhar Zaman, to lead the charge and deliver a strong performance.

With Mike Hesson at the helm as head coach, Pakistan cricket is entering a new era, one that focuses on fresh talent, new leadership, and a balanced approach to the game. The squad announced for the Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025 reflects this shift towards rejuvenation. While the absence of stalwarts like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan may come as a surprise to many, it opens the door for younger players to prove their worth and make an impact on the international stage.

The Asia Cup 2025 will be a defining moment for Pakistan, as they face some of the strongest teams in the region, including India, UAE, and Oman. Their performance in the tournament will serve as a barometer for the future of Pakistan cricket and will also provide a glimpse into the team’s potential under the new leadership of Salman Ali Agha and guidance of Mike Hesson.

As the tournament draws nearer, all eyes will be on the newly formed squad and the exciting prospects that lie ahead for Pakistan cricket. Whether the team can rise to the occasion and secure a victory in the prestigious tournament remains to be seen.