Fakhar Zaman has returned to Pakistan’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025. He recovered from a hamstring injury sustained earlier in August. Pakistan will also play a tri-series in the UAE with Afghanistan and the hosts before the tournament begins.
Babar Azam and Rizwan Left Out of Asia Cup 2025 Squad
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were not selected for the Asia Cup 2025. Salman Agha has been named captain of the 17-member squad.
Babar Azam’s Recent T20 and ODI Performances
Babar last played a T20I in December 2024. In PSL 2025, he scored 288 runs in ten innings for Peshawar Zalmi. His top knocks were 56*, 53*, and 94, but his strike rate was 128.57. Against West Indies in ODIs, he scored 47, 0, and 9.
Mohammad Rizwan Struggles in Recent Matches
Mohammad Rizwan has also been missing from Pakistan’s T20I squads. He scored 53 in the first ODI against West Indies. He then managed only 16 and 0 in the remaining two games.
Head Coach Mike Hesson Explains Babar Azam’s Omission
Pakistan coach Mike Hesson explained that Babar must improve his strike rate and batting against spin in T20s.
“Babar is working hard in these areas. Other players like Sahibzada Farhan have been excellent. Right now, they deserve selection,” Hesson said. He added that Babar can show progress in leagues like the BBL.
Key Squad Highlights for Asia Cup 2025
- Shaheen Afridi retained despite inconsistent T20 form
- Naseem Shah excluded again, currently active in the CPL 2025
- Salman Mirza, leading wicket-taker in Bangladesh series, included
- Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem kept as wristspinners
Hesson supports an aggressive batting plan. “Our openers set the tone early. T20 cricket is about momentum and staying ahead,” he explained. He emphasized that Pakistan’s top order must score quickly on varied surfaces. Pakistan have never won the T20 Asia Cup. Their best finish was second place in 2022. Under Salman Agha’s leadership, Pakistan hope to achieve their first Asia Cup T20 title in 2025.
Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025 and UAE Tri-Series
Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.
