The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup – Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan Left Out, and the big news is that star batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are not part of the T20I team. The tournament will be played in the UAE, starting from September 9, 2025.
Fakhar Zaman, who suffered a hamstring injury earlier this month, has recovered and made it back into the squad. Meanwhile, Salman Agha has been named as captain for the 17-member squad, which will also play a tri-series against UAE and Afghanistan before the Asia Cup 2025.
Why Babar Azam is Not in the Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup?
Babar Azam last played a T20 international in December 2024. In the PSL 2025 season, he scored 288 runs for Peshawar Zalmi, including three half-centuries (56*, 53* and 94). However, his strike rate of 128.57 has raised concerns.
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson explained that Babar has been asked to improve his strike rate and ability against spin. He admitted it was a tough call but said, “Babar Azam is too good a player not to be considered. He has the chance to play in other leagues like the BBL and prove his T20 improvements.”
Why Mohammad Rizwan Missed Out in Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup?
Like Babar, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has also been left out of Pakistan’s recent T20I squads. His ODI form against West Indies was mixed, where he scored 53 in the first game but could not continue his rhythm in the next two matches.
Pakistan have instead trusted younger options, including Mohammad Haris as the wicketkeeper.
Big Names Included in Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup
While Babar and Rizwan are missing, Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup still have some major stars like:
- Shaheen Afridi keeps his place in the T20I side despite limited recent appearances in the format.
- Fakhar Zaman returns after recovering from injury.
- Salman Mirza, who impressed against Bangladesh with eight wickets, has been rewarded with selection.
- Both wristspinners, Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem, have also been retained.
However, fast bowler Naseem Shah has not been included as he is currently busy in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Pakistan’s Game Plan
Coach Hesson emphasized that Pakistan will continue with their aggressive batting strategy. He praised the opening pair’s success in recent matches, including a 138-run partnership against the West Indies.
“T20 cricket is all about getting ahead of the game,” Hesson said. “Our top order has done that well, and we want to continue playing in that style.”
Pakistan’s Record in Asia Cup T20s
Pakistan have never won the T20 format of the Asia Cup. The last time the tournament was played in 2022, Pakistan reached the final but lost to Sri Lanka. This time, the team will be looking to go one step further and finally lift the trophy.
Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025
- Salman Agha (captain)
- Fakhar Zaman
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Ali
- Hasan Nawaz
- Hussain Talat
- Mohammad Haris (wk)
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Mohammad Wasim
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Mirza
- Abrar Ahmed
- Faheem Ashraf
- Khushdil Shah
- Sufiyan Muqeem
Final Thoughts
The absence of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup has surprised many fans. However, Pakistan are looking to back young players and stick with an aggressive game plan. With Shaheen Afridi leading the bowling attack and Fakhar Zaman returning to the top order, the Men in Green will hope to make history in the UAE.
Which team scored the lowest runs in Test cricket history? Click the link below to find out.
Stay connected with us for more updates.
