Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan Left Out as Pakistan Announces Squad for Asia Cup 2025
In a major shake-up, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, notably omitting star players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. This marks the first time in eight years that Babar Azam will miss an Asia Cup tournament.
The Asia Cup 2025 is set to take place in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from September 9 to 28. Pakistan has been placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, Oman, and the UAE. The Men in Green will open their campaign against Oman on September 12, followed by high-stakes encounters against India on September 14 and the UAE on September 17.
The PCB’s selection signals a clear shift in strategy, with the management placing faith in emerging talents over established names. Youngsters dominate the announced squad, indicating a renewed focus on rebuilding and long-term planning.
Ahead of the Asia Cup, Pakistan will also participate in a tri-nation series featuring Afghanistan and the UAE. The tournament is seen as a crucial preparation platform, giving players valuable match experience before the continental showdown.
Pakistan will be aiming to bounce back from recent Asia Cup disappointments. In 2023, they failed to reach the final after losing two of their three Super Four matches in the ODI format. In 2022, they finished as runners-up to Sri Lanka in the T20 edition of the tournament.
Pakistan squad for UAE tri-series and Asia Cup 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.
