Babar, Rizwan Left Out as PCB Reveals Squad for Asia Cup 2025 and UAE Tri-Series
Lahore, August 17 (Sports Desk): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled its 17-member squad for the upcoming UAE Tri-Nation Series and the Asia Cup 2025, with all-rounder Salman Ali Agha retained as captain. The decision has sparked debate as star batter Babar Azam and ODI skipper Mohammad Rizwan have been excluded from the lineup.
Squad Announcement
The squad, announced on Sunday by PCB’s Director of High Performance Aqib Javed alongside Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, includes experienced names such as Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf. Young players Saim Ayub, Khushdil Shah, Hussain Talat, Hasan Nawaz, and Sahibzada Farhan have also been given opportunities.
The squad further features Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Salman Mirza, and Sufyan Moqim.
Upcoming Series Schedule
The UAE Tri-Series, involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and hosts UAE, will take place in Sharjah from August 29 to September 7. Soon after, the Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to be held across Abu Dhabi and Dubai from September 9 to 28.
PCB’s Stance on Selection
Speaking at the press conference, Aqib Javed said the selection aimed to maintain consistency and reward recent performers.
“This is the same group that has been performing. Our focus is on winning and continuity. Whoever performs, will play,” Javed emphasized.
On Salman Mirza’s inclusion, Javed credited his strong performances in Bangladesh. He also confirmed Sahibzada Farhan’s comeback, highlighting his recent improvements.
Addressing the absence of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, Javed clarified:
“We cannot rule them out permanently. They still have chances to return if they prove their form. For now, the current players are being tested.”
He further added that senior players could utilize overseas leagues like the Big Bash to regain form and push for selection.
Coach Mike Hesson’s Perspective
Head coach Mike Hesson echoed similar sentiments, stressing that the decision was performance-based.
“It’s unfair to judge a player solely on three matches. Babar played well in the first game against West Indies but needs improvement in certain areas,” Hesson said.
He made it clear that neither Babar nor Rizwan is out of the long-term plans:
“If they perform like others, they will definitely return to T20Is. At the moment, we have solid options in the squad.”
Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup & UAE Tri-Series 2025
Salman Ali Agha (Captain)
Abrar Ahmed
Faheem Ashraf
Fakhar Zaman
Haris Rauf
Hasan Ali
Hasan Nawaz
Hussain Talat
Khushdil Shah
Mohammad Haris (Wicketkeeper)
Mohammad Nawaz
Mohammad Wasim Jr
Sahibzada Farhan
Saim Ayub
Salman Mirza
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Sufyan Moqim
Fixtures – Tri-Series (Sharjah)
Aug 29 – Afghanistan vs Pakistan
Aug 30 – UAE vs Pakistan
Sept 1 – UAE vs Afghanistan
Sept 2 – Pakistan vs Afghanistan
Sept 4 – Pakistan vs UAE
Sept 5 – Afghanistan vs UAE
Sept 7 – Final
Fixtures – Asia Cup 2025 (Abu Dhabi & Dubai)
Sept 9 – Afghanistan vs Hong Kong
Sept 10 – India vs UAE
Sept 11 – Bangladesh vs Hong Kong
Sept 12 – Pakistan vs Oman
Sept 13 – Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
Sept 14 – India vs Pakistan 🔥
Sept 15 – UAE vs Oman & Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong
Sept 16 – Bangladesh vs Afghanistan
Sept 17 – Pakistan vs UAE
Sept 18 – Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
Sept 19 – India vs Oman
Super Four Stage
Sept 20 – B1 vs B2
Sept 21 – A1 vs A2
Sept 23 – A2 vs B1
Sept 24 – A1 vs B2
Sept 25 – A2 vs B2
Sept 26 – A1 vs B1
Sept 28 – Final