Pakistan Announces Bold Squad for Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025
Pakistan Announces Bold Squad for Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025: In a surprising move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 17-man squad for the upcoming Sharjah Tri-Series (August 29 – September 7, 2025) and the Asia Cup 2025 (September 9–28, 2025), both to be played in the UAE in the T20I format.
The biggest talking point is the exclusion of senior stars Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, marking a significant shift in Pakistan’s T20 strategy. Instead, the team will be led by Salman Ali Agha, with aggressive batters like Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Muhammad Haris taking center stage.
This decision signals a move towards a more attacking brand of cricket, prioritizing power-hitting and dynamic batting over the traditional anchor roles Babar and Rizwan played.
Full Squad Breakdown
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Salman Ali Agha (C) | All-rounder (Batting) |
| Ahmed Abrar | Spinner |
| Ashraf Faheem | All-rounder |
| Fakhar Zaman | Opening Batsman |
| Haris Rauf | Fast Bowler |
| Hasan Ali | Fast Bowler |
| Hasan Nawaz | All-rounder |
| Hussain Talat | All-rounder |
| Khushdil Shah | Middle-order Batsman |
| Muhammad Haris (WK) | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Muhammad Nawaz | All-rounder |
| Muhammad Wasim Jr. | Fast Bowler |
| Sahibzada Farhan | Batsman |
| Saim Ayub | Opening Batsman |
| Salman Mirza | Spinner |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Fast Bowler |
| Sufyan Moqim | All-rounder |
Why Were Babar Azam & Rizwan Dropped?
The exclusion of Babar Azam (No. 1 T20I batter in 2023-24) and Mohammad Rizwan (consistent top-order anchor) has sparked debates. Sources suggest the PCB is looking to adopt a more aggressive T20 approach, moving away from the conservative style that often led to middle-over slowdowns.
Key Reasons:
- Strike Rate Concerns – Both Babar and Rizwan, while consistent, were criticized for slow starts in powerplays.
- Building for the Future – With the 2026 T20 World Cup in sight, Pakistan is testing younger, explosive players.
- Team Balance – The inclusion of Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Muhammad Haris suggests a shift towards high-tempo batting.
Tri-Series 2025: Pakistan’s First Challenge
Teams:
- Pakistan
- South Africa
- New Zealand
Schedule (Sharjah, UAE):
- August 29: Pakistan vs South Africa
- August 31: South Africa vs New Zealand
- September 2: Pakistan vs New Zealand
- September 5: Final
This series will be a litmus test for Pakistan’s new-look squad, especially against strong bowling attacks like South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada and New Zealand’s Trent Boult.
Asia Cup 2025: A New Era for Pakistan Cricket
Participating Teams:
- Pakistan
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Bangladesh
- Afghanistan
- Nepal
Key Matches to Watch:
- Pakistan vs India (September 14, Dubai) – The biggest rivalry in cricket, now without Babar & Rizwan.
- Pakistan vs Afghanistan (September 21, Abu Dhabi) – A high-voltage clash against spin-heavy Afghanistan.
With no Virat Kohli (retired) and Rohit Sharma (rested) in India’s squad, this Asia Cup could see new stars emerge.
Can Pakistan Succeed Without Babar & Rizwan?
Strengths:
✅ Explosive Openers – Fakhar Zaman & Saim Ayub can dominate powerplays.
✅ Power-hitters – Khushdil Shah, Muhammad Haris, and Hussain Talat add firepower.
✅ Strong Bowling – Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali form a lethal pace attack.
Weaknesses:
❌ Lack of Experience – No senior anchors in high-pressure games.
❌ Middle-order Stability – If openers fail, will the middle order hold?
FAQs: Pakistan’s Squad for Tri-Series & Asia Cup 2025
1. Why were Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan dropped?
The PCB is shifting towards a more aggressive T20 approach, favoring power-hitters over traditional anchors. Their strike rates in recent games were also a concern.
2. Who will keep wickets in place of Rizwan?
Muhammad Haris, known for his explosive batting, will take the gloves.
3. Is this squad a long-term change or just an experiment?
This appears to be a strategic shift ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. If the new lineup succeeds, Babar and Rizwan may struggle to return.
Final Thoughts
Pakistan’s decision to drop Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan is bold and risky. While it brings excitement with aggressive players like Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman, the lack of experience in crunch moments could backfire.
