The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to introduce a few changes to the national squad ahead of the upcoming tri-nation T20I series in the UAE and the Asia Cup 2025, according to sources familiar with the selection process. The final squad is expected to be announced once the team returns from its ongoing tour of the West Indies.
Salman Mirza, Ahmed Daniyal in Line for Return
Fast bowler Salman Mirza and all-rounder Ahmed Daniyal are tipped to make a comeback for the UAE tour. Sources say the selectors are keen to test their bench strength before the Asia Cup begins.
Workload Management for Senior Pacers
Senior fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf may be rested for the tri-series as part of workload management, with plans to bring them back for the Asia Cup campaign. The squad for the tri-series is expected to include 16 players instead of the usual 15, with head coach Mike Hesson and the team captain set to take the final call.
Fakhar Zaman Expected to Return
Opening batter Fakhar Zaman, who is currently sidelined due to a hamstring injury suffered during the Bangladesh T20I series, is expected to be fit in time for both the tri-series and the Asia Cup. Zaman has not travelled with the squad to the West Indies but is reportedly recovering well.
Shadab Khan to Miss Both Events
Pakistan’s T20I vice-captain Shadab Khan is unlikely to feature in either tournament as he continues rehabilitation following surgery.
Tri-Nation Series Schedule in Sharjah
The tri-nation T20I series will be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium from August 29 to September 7, featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE. All matches will start at 7:00 PM local time.
Full Schedule:
- 29 August – Afghanistan vs Pakistan
- 30 August – UAE vs Pakistan
- 1 September – UAE vs Afghanistan
- 2 September – Pakistan vs Afghanistan
- 4 September – Pakistan vs UAE
- 5 September – Afghanistan vs UAE
- 7 September – Final
The top two teams from the group stage will meet in the final on September 7. With squad announcements and player returns on the horizon, Pakistan’s preparations for both the tri-series and the Asia Cup are entering a crucial phase.
