LAHORE (Abdul Basit): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday announced a 17-member national squad for the upcoming UAE T20 Tri-Series and the Asia Cup 2025.
The tri-series, featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and hosts UAE, will be played in Sharjah from August 29 to September 7. Following that, the Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from September 9 to 28. All-rounder Salman Ali Agha has been retained as captain of the squad.
Senior players Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf are part of the lineup, while youngsters Saim Ayub, Khushdil Shah, and Hussain Talat have also been included. The squad further features Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr., and Mohammad Haris, along with Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, and Hasan Nawaz. Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza, and Sufiyan Muqeem complete the squad.
During the press conference following the squad announcement, Pakistan’s white-ball head coach, Mike Hesson, explained the reasons for retaining pacer Salman Mirza in the squad for the upcoming events. “We have retained Salman Mirza because of his performance in Bangladesh,” Hesson said.
The 31-year-old impressed with his outstanding bowling performance, emerging as the leading wicket-taker in the series. He claimed seven wickets across all three matches at an impressive economy rate of 5.21.
Meanwhile, Pakistan team selector and former pacer Aqib Javed has shared his thoughts on the exclusion of the experienced duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the national T20I squad.
Addressing the questions regarding squad selection for the forthcoming Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025, Aqib, alongside Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson, highlighted key aspects of the 17-member squad.
The ace duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have not been selected in the Pakistan squad. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s last T20I appearance came in December 2024 against South Africa.
Aqib Javed stated that there is no full stop for any player, and there are ample opportunities for Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to perform and secure their place in the team.
“In T20 cricket, two factors are crucial: your ability to score runs and your strike rate, according to the match situation and environment. That is what we always consider,” he told reporters.
The selector highlighted Pakistan’s T20I format top order, emphasizing recent performances amid the exclusion of Babar Azam.
“It’s not that we are completely sidelining them. The current choices reflect how a player develops. I’ve given examples of Sahibzada Farhan, Saim, and Fakhar. Sahibzada made a comeback, Saim initially struggled but later created an impact,” he stated.
“We can’t say that we are writing them off, and at this time, we have players who have performed well. So, no one can put a full stop on any player; there are opportunities, they are getting contracts in the Big Bash, there is the PSL, the player who performs will play, and he should play,” he added.
Aqib Javed mentioned the performances of the Pakistan Shaheens players and the opportunities available for emerging players. “Our top players have just completed a camp at the NCA,” the 53-year-old said.
He further emphasized the team’s strengths while explaining the selection dynamics. “Mohammad Wasim Jr. was sent there [Pakistan Shaheens] and he is getting fitter and bowling well, so he has been included in the squad,” he said. “You have limited slots— if you have players like Saim [Ayub], Fakhar [Zaman], and Sahibzada [Farhan], you can only select 17.”
“Wherever there is opportunity, it will be utilised. The good thing is that our options are improving. Players like Yasir[Khan] [Mohammad] Naeem, and [Khawaja] Nafay give us better choices, and it is a good sign,” Aqib Javed concluded.
Aqib Javed commented on the much-anticipated match between India and Pakistan. “Pakistan’s T20 team can beat India. India-Pakistan matches are always huge, and everyone is aware of this. I believe this 17-member squad is capable of defeating any team. We shouldn’t put pressure on them, but I am very hopeful,” he stated.
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