The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled its 17-man squad for the upcoming Tri-Nation Series in Sharjah and the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE, with Salman Ali Agha continuing as captain. The big talking point: Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have once again been left out.
Fixtures on the Horizon
The Tri-Series — featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and hosts UAE — kicks off on August 29 and runs through September 7 in Sharjah. The spotlight will then shift to the Asia Cup, which will be staged in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from September 9 to 28.
Familiar Faces, New Energy
Pakistan’s lineup combines senior experience with emerging talent. Established names such as Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf are joined by younger options including Saim Ayub, Khushdil Shah, Hussain Talat, and Muhammad Haris.
Other call-ups include all-rounders Muhammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf, pacers Hasan Ali, Muhammad Wasim Jr., and Salman Mirza, along with Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, and Sufyan Moqim.
Why Salman Mirza Stays
Head coach Mike Hesson highlighted Salman Mirza’s form as the key reason for his retention. The 31-year-old pacer impressed in the recent Bangladesh series, where he finished as top wicket-taker with seven scalps in just three matches while maintaining an economy of 5.21. Hesson noted that Mirza brings both control and penetration in the middle overs — an area Pakistan has often struggled with.
No Babar, No Rizwan — But Not the End
The absence of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan has naturally raised eyebrows. Both last played T20Is in December 2024 against South Africa, and for now, Pakistan is leaning on alternative batting options.
Chief selector Aqib Javed stressed that the decision doesn’t mean the end of the road for the duo. “There’s no permanent exclusion. Performances and strike rates dictate selection in T20s. If they deliver, they’ll be back,” Javed said.
He pointed to players like Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, and Fakhar Zaman, who capitalized on their opportunities, as proof that competition for spots is healthy. Javed also mentioned the Pakistan Shaheens and domestic performers such as Yasir Khan, Naeem, and Khawaja Nafay as part of a growing talent pool that strengthens Pakistan’s future options.
The Bigger Picture
While the omission of household names like Babar and Rizwan dominates headlines, the PCB’s approach signals a clear shift: Pakistan is prioritizing strike rates, adaptability, and form over reputation. With two major tournaments back-to-back, this squad could define the direction of Pakistan’s T20 cricket ahead of the 2026 World Cup.