The wait is nearly over. Asia Cup 2025 is set to ignite in September, and Pakistan is heading into the tournament with fresh intent, a revamped squad, and a captain ready to define a new era. With matches expected across the UAE, India, and Sri Lanka, this edition of the Asia Cup is more than a tournament—it’s a reset.
Pakistan’s new-look side blends youth with tactical experience, and the selection reflects a shift in mindset from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB): bold, flexible, and ready to challenge the best in Asia.
Here’s a full breakdown of Pakistan’s updated squad, captaincy decisions, and predicted playing XI — based on current form, fitness, and team strategy.
Why Asia Cup 2025 Matters for Pakistan
The Asia Cup 2025 isn’t just another tournament for Pakistan — it’s a golden opportunity to:
- Test the new leadership under Salman Ali Agha.
- Prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026.
- Build a stronger bench strength with young, dynamic players.
- Regain dominance over Asian rivals, especially India.
After an unstable 2023-24 season, this tournament marks the beginning of a new era for Pakistan cricket.
Pakistan T20I Captain for Asia Cup 2025
Salman Ali Agha is officially leading Pakistan’s T20I side into Asia Cup 2025.
Appointed in early 2025, Salman represents a new generation of leadership — aggressive, tactical, and fearless.
He’s expected to bring balance between youthful aggression and calm decision-making under pressure.
Shaheen Afridi is expected to serve as the vice-captain, stepping into the leadership role due to Shadab Khan’s ongoing injury recovery. His seniority and experience with the new ball make him a natural deputy to Agha Salman.
Predicted Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025
Here’s the most accurate and realistic predicted squad for Pakistan based on current T20 performances, latest selections, and PSL 2025 form:
| No | Player Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mohammad Haris | Wicket-Keeper Batsman |
| 2 | Saim Ayub | Opening Batsman |
| 3 | Hasan Nawaz | Top-Order Batsman |
| 4 | Fakhar Zaman | Top-Order Batsman |
| 5 | Salman Ali Agha (C) | Middle-Order Batsman, All-Rounder |
| 6 | Khushdil Shah | All-rounder |
| 7 | Mohammad Nawaz | All-rounder |
| 8 | Faheem Ashraf | Bowling All-rounder |
| 9 | Sufiyan Muqeem | Spinner |
| 10 | Hussain Talat | All-rounder |
| 11 | Sahibzada Farhan | Middle-order Batter |
| 12 | Abrar Ahmed | Specialist Spinner |
| 13 | Hasan Ali | Medium-fast Bowler |
| 14 | Shaheen Shah Afridi (VC) | Fast Bowler |
| 15 | Haris Rauf | Fast Bowler |
Predicted Playing XI for Pakistan – Asia Cup 2025
Based on current form, UAE pitch conditions, and left-right combinations, here’s a strong potential XI for Pakistan’s opening match:
- Mohammad Haris (WK)
- Saim Ayub
- Fakhar Zaman
- Salman Agha (C)
- Khushdil Shah
- Faheem Ashraf
- Hussain Talat
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Shaheen Afridi
- Haris Rauf
- Abrar Ahmed
Bench strength includes Sahibzada Farhan for top-order backup, Hasan Nawaz as a flexible batting option, and spin-depth with Sufiyan Muqeem.
Key Tactical Takeaways
Left-Handed Power Surge
With Fakhar, Saim, Faheem, Nawaz, and Khushdil, Pakistan boasts an unusually strong pool of left-hand batters—valuable for disrupting spin matchups.
Spin-to-Win
Abrar Ahmed and Nawaz will be crucial in the middle overs, especially on slow UAE tracks. Expect variations, angles, and tight lines to choke scoring.
Flexible All-Round Core
With four bowling all-rounders in the XI, Pakistan’s batting can stretch deep while retaining bowling variety. This is key in tight T20 contests.
New Identity, Clear Roles
Salman Agha’s captaincy offers clarity. Defined roles, powerplay intent, and improved fielding standards are expected to be visible from game one.
Tournament Structure
- Host Nations: UAE, India, Sri Lanka (to be finalized)
- Format: T20 International
- Participating Teams: Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Hong Kong, Oman
- Stages: Group Stage → Super Four → Final
Pakistan’s Group‑Stage Matches
| Date | Match | Venue (UAE) |
|---|---|---|
| September 12 | Pakistan vs Oman | Group A, UAE |
| September 14 | India vs Pakistan | Group A, UAE |
| September 17 | Pakistan vs UAE | Group A, UAE |
Where to Watch Asia Cup 2025
| Region | TV Channels | Streaming Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | Ten Sports, PTV Sports | Tamasha, Tapmad |
| India | Star Sports | Disney+ Hotstar |
| UK | TNT Sports | Discovery+ |
| USA/Canada | Willow TV | ESPN+, Hotstar |
| Australia/NZ | Fox Sports, Sky Sport | Kayo Sports, Sky Go |
| Middle East | CricLife, StarzPlay | Switch TV |
Final Thoughts
The Asia Cup 2025 could be the start of a glorious new chapter for Pakistan cricket.
With fresh leadership under Salman Ali Agha and a balanced mix of youth and experience, this team has the potential to conquer Asia and lay down a strong marker ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Pakistani fans can expect an aggressive, fearless brand of cricket, with a squad that is hungry to bring the trophy home.
Stay tuned for official announcements, injury updates, and final squad confirmations as the tournament nears!
FAQs – Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025
1. Has Pakistan officially announced its squad for the Asia Cup 2025?
No, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not officially announced the final squad. However, several players are being considered based on domestic performances and recent training camps.
2. Who is expected to captain Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025?
Agha Salman is widely expected to lead the side in the T20 format. While not officially confirmed, recent developments and leadership shifts suggest he is the frontrunner.
3. Is Babar Azam likely to be part of the squad?
Current indications suggest that Babar Azam may not feature in the Asia Cup 2025 squad, as the team explores new leadership and a fresh batting core. However, final decisions will depend on selection committee discussions.
4. Which bowlers are likely to lead Pakistan’s attack?
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf remain key figures in the pace department, with support from Hasan Ali. In the spin section, Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz are expected to play central roles.
5. When will the official squad be announced by PCB?
The final squad is expected to be announced by mid to late August 2025, depending on player fitness, form, and preparation camps leading up to the Asia Cup.
