Lahore — August 17, 2025
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a dynamic 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, set to be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28. In a surprising move, senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been left out, signaling a strategic shift toward youth and aggressive play.

All-rounder Salman Ali Agha will lead the side, while Mohammad Haris takes over wicket-keeping duties. The squad blends seasoned performers like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Fakhar Zaman with emerging talents such as Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz, and Salman Mirza.

📋 Full Squad:

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Mohammad Haris (wk), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.

Pakistan is placed in Group A alongside India, UAE, and Oman. The team will kick off its campaign against Oman on September 12, followed by a high-stakes clash with India on September 14, and a final group-stage match against UAE on September 17.

The squad announcement comes ahead of a preparatory T20I tri-series featuring Afghanistan and UAE, giving selectors a chance to fine-tune combinations before the continental showdown.