Pakistan’s cricket fans finally have clarity on their T20 squad for the upcoming UAE Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday announced a 17-member squad that blends experience with youth, signaling a bold approach ahead of two high-profile tournaments.
The Tri-Series, featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and UAE, will kick off at Sharjah Cricket Stadium from August 29 to September 7, while the Asia Cup 2025 is set to run in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from September 9 to 28.
All-rounder Salman Ali Agha will lead the side, stepping into the captaincy role with former skipper Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan continuing to be rested from T20Is. Veteran players like Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf headline the lineup, while promising youngsters Saim Ayub, Khushdil Shah, and Hussain Talat are included to strengthen Pakistan’s bench depth.
Salman Mirza and Mohammad Wasim Jr. make a return, following impressive recent performances in domestic and international games. According to PCB, Mirza’s inclusion is backed by his standout showing in Bangladesh, where he claimed seven wickets in three matches with an economy of 5.21.
Pakistan Squad – Tri-Series & Asia Cup 2025
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Salman Ali Agha (C) | All-rounder |
| Abrar Ahmed | Spinner |
| Faheem Ashraf | Bowling All-rounder |
| Fakhar Zaman | Top-order Batsman |
| Haris Rauf | Fast Bowler |
| Hasan Ali | Medium-fast Bowler |
| Hasan Nawaz | Top/Middle-order Batsman |
| Hussain Talat | All-rounder |
| Khushdil Shah | All-rounder |
| Mohammad Haris (WK) | Wicket-keeper Batsman |
| Mohammad Nawaz | All-rounder |
| Mohammad Wasim Jr. | Fast Bowler |
| Sahibzada Farhan | Batsman |
| Saim Ayub | Opening Batsman |
| Salman Mirza | Fast Bowler |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Fast Bowler |
| Sufiyan Moqim | Spinner |
Key Points
- Leadership: Salman Ali Agha takes charge with a mix of experienced and young players.
- Bowling Firepower: Shaheen, Rauf, Wasim Jr., and Mirza form a strong pace attack; Abrar and Sufiyan bring spin options.
- Batting Balance: Fakhar, Talat, Khushdil, and Hassan Nawaz provide stability and flexibility in the middle order.
- Fresh Approach: With Babar and Rizwan sidelined, the squad allows new leaders to emerge while giving youngsters exposure before the T20 World Cup 2026.
Tri-Series Schedule – Sharjah
- 29 Aug: Afghanistan vs Pakistan – 7 PM
- 30 Aug: UAE vs Pakistan – 7 PM
- 1 Sep: UAE vs Afghanistan – 7 PM
- 2 Sep: Pakistan vs Afghanistan – 7 PM
- 4 Sep: Pakistan vs UAE – 7 PM
- 5 Sep: Afghanistan vs UAE – 7 PM
- 7 Sep: Final – 7 PM
Asia Cup 2025 – Key Fixtures
- 12 Sep: Oman vs Pakistan – 6 PM
- 14 Sep: India vs Pakistan – 6 PM
- 17 Sep: UAE vs Pakistan – 6 PM
- 20-26 Sep: Super Fours – Abu Dhabi & Dubai
- 28 Sep: Final – 6 PM
Analyst Take
Cricket pundits believe Pakistan’s squad reflects a balance of caution and aggression. The inclusion of emerging players alongside seasoned campaigners ensures depth, while the bowling attack remains Pakistan’s biggest strength. With the Asia Cup starting just weeks after the Tri-Series, team management is expected to rotate players carefully to maintain peak performance.
FAQs
Who is Pakistan’s captain for the Asia Cup 2025?
Salman Ali Agha will lead the squad in both tournaments.
Are Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan playing?
No, both players continue to be rested from T20Is.
Who are the key bowlers?
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, and Sufiyan Moqim.
When does the Asia Cup 2025 start?
September 9, 2025, with group-stage matches in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Where will the Tri-Series be held?
Sharjah Cricket Stadium from August 29 to September 7.
