Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025 has been announced with a 17-member line-up. The team will also contest a T20I tri-series in the UAE against Afghanistan and the hosts, UAE. Salman Ali Agha will captain the side, tasked with steering a mix of youth and experience in Sharjah and Dubai.
The squad reflects selectors’ intent to sharpen powerplay scoring, lengthen the batting order, and add wicket-taking threats through the middle overs. The combination is designed for conditions in the Gulf, where pitches can slow down and reward variety in spin.
Batting Firepower Up Top
Pakistan’s top order will rely on left-handers Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman. Both bring aggressive stroke play and the ability to unsettle new-ball bowlers. Fakhar’s inclusion, however, comes with a fitness watch. His hamstring management remains crucial ahead of the Asia Cup. His presence not only strengthens left-right balance but also allows tactical flexibility in the top three.
Sahibzada Farhan joins them as a stabilizer. His range of shots and temperament provide a buffer between aggression and consolidation. The selectors have backed him to anchor when required, ensuring Pakistan’s batting does not collapse under early pressure.
Youngster Hassan Nawaz adds fresh energy to the middle order. His rise through PSL performances earned him a debut call. He will likely be used as a floater between overs 7 and 15, a role Pakistan wants to solidify with youthful hitters.
Middle-Order Stability and Tempo
Mohammad Haris, the designated wicketkeeper batter, is expected to drive the run rate through the middle overs. His aggressive batting style keeps the tempo high, a skill crucial on slow UAE surfaces. Haris is also seen as a finisher, capable of clearing the boundary at will.
He will combine with Hassan Nawaz in Pakistan’s middle order, giving the team two natural hitters who can stretch totals beyond par. Hussain Talat and Khushdil Shah provide left-hand depth and all-round ability, ensuring flexibility in match-ups.
Bowling Arsenal
Pakistan’s bowling remains its strongest asset. Shaheen Afridi leads the pace attack with Haris Rauf, ensuring firepower up front and at the death. Both are strike bowlers with proven records in high-pressure tournaments. Hasan Ali’s experience and Salman Mirza’s pace add depth, allowing rotation in the tight schedule.
Spin options are varied. Abrar Ahmed brings mystery with his leg-spin, while Mohammad Nawaz adds reliability as a left-arm orthodox. Sufyan Muqeem completes the trio, offering angles and control. Together, this spin combination gives Pakistan three different looks through the middle overs, an area where games in Sharjah and Dubai often swing.
The selectors also welcomed back Mohammad Wasim Jr. His return after a long injury layoff strengthens the seam-all-rounder slot. His ability to hit the deck and contribute quick runs down the order makes him a valuable addition.
Calendar and Schedule
Pakistan’s preparation begins with the UAE T20I tri-series. Matches run from August 29 to September 7 in Sharjah. The team will face Afghanistan and UAE twice each before the final. The tri-series serves as both match practice and a chance to test combinations. Rotation among fast bowlers is expected during these games, keeping the squad fresh for the Asia Cup.
The Asia Cup 2025 starts immediately afterward. Pakistan face Oman on September 12, arch-rivals India on September 14, and UAE on September 17. The compressed schedule means fitness and form management will be critical. Selectors will also weigh whether to field a second spinner or an additional seam all-rounder depending on conditions.
Leadership and Role Clarity
Salman Ali Agha continues as captain, a role he earned earlier this year after impressing with leadership in bilateral T20s. His approach emphasizes role clarity, higher fielding standards, and matchup-based strategies. The board hopes his fresh perspective can help rebuild Pakistan’s T20 side ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Under Agha, Pakistan will prioritize sharper execution rather than relying on individual brilliance. Selectors and coaches have been vocal about setting clear expectations for every squad member. This approach reflects a shift from past reliance on senior stars toward a collective strategy.
Watchpoints Before the Asia Cup
Two major questions linger before the tournament. Fakhar Zaman’s fitness remains a concern, given his recent hamstring strain. His availability determines Pakistan’s balance at the top. Secondly, Salman Agha’s ability to maintain leadership rhythm will be under scrutiny. Can he inspire a young side to deliver against India and progress deep in the Asia Cup?
Full Squad List
- Salman Ali Agha (c)
- Mohammad Haris (wk)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Faheem Ashraf
- Fakhar Zaman
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Ali
- Hassan Nawaz
- Hussain Talat
- Khushdil Shah
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Mohammad Wasim Jr.
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Mirza
- Shaheen Afridi
- Sufyan Muqeem
Conclusion
The Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025 reflects a fresh chapter. Selectors have backed youth, variety, and match-specific strategies over reputation. Success in the tri-series will provide confidence heading into the Asia Cup, but the true test lies against India on September 14. For Pakistan fans, this squad represents both promise and risk — a bold attempt to redefine T20 cricket in the build-up to global tournaments.
