📰 Squad Shock: Babar & Rizwan Snubbed from 17-Member Squad
In a stunning twist ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 and accompanying UAE T20I tri-series, the PCB has excluded former stars Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan and Naseem Shah from its 17-member squad. The announcement immediately sparked major debate across cricketing circles.
🏏 Leadership by Newcomer: Salman Ali Agha Named Captain
Salman Ali Agha, recently elevated within the T20 setup, has been appointed captain of the team. His leadership will be tested as Pakistan faces Afghanistan and UAE in the tri-series (Aug 29 – Sep 7), before launching their Asia Cup campaign (Sep 9–28) in the UAE.
📋 Full Squad Breakdown
The full 17-member squad includes:
- Captain: Salman Ali Agha (c)
- Pace bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali
- All-rounders: Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz
- Spinners: Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Sufyan Moqim
- Batsmen: Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Salman Mirza
- Wicketkeeper: Mohammad Haris (wk)
🎉 The Good News: Fakhar Zaman’s Return
Fakhar Zaman, recently recovering from a hamstring injury, is back in action and part of both series—a boost to Pakistan’s batting depth.
🔄 Continuity & Youth Focus: Selector’s Strategy
PCB’s Director of High Performance, Aqib Javed, emphasized continuity and performance-based selection, suggesting Babar and Rizwan aren’t discarded forever—they could return with strong domestic performances. This approach underscores PCB’s pivot toward age-balanced, performance-driven strategy.
Coach Mike Hesson noted it's hard to assess form from just a few games and emphasized that the door is still open for the veterans if they act accordingly.
💔 Naseem Shah’s Absence: A Major Talking Point
One of the biggest surprises in Pakistan’s 17-member squad announcement is the exclusion of Naseem Shah, the young pace sensation who has been a match-winner on several occasions. Known for his ability to swing the ball at high pace and deliver under pressure, Naseem was expected to be a crucial asset in both the Tri-Series and the Asia Cup. His absence has raised eyebrows among experts, fans, and former cricketers alike.
📉 Lack of Match Fitness
Even though Naseem has made sporadic returns to competitive cricket, insiders report that his bowling rhythm and match fitness are not yet 100%. Selectors may have decided to give him more rehabilitation time at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, instead of rushing him back for high-intensity tournaments.
🔄 Focus on Long-Term Goals
Selectors and team management are clearly playing a long-term game. With a packed international calendar ahead, including the Champions Trophy and World Test Championship matches, Pakistan may have opted to rest Naseem deliberately to extend his career and avoid burnout at such a young age.
🗣️ Fan Reactions & Expert Opinions
Fans on social media expressed disappointment, calling Naseem a "must-have strike bowler" for Pakistan’s Asia Cup campaign. Some experts, however, supported the decision, stating that it’s better to lose him for one series than risk losing him for an entire year due to recurring injuries.
🏏 Who Fills the Void?
With Naseem out, the pace attack will rely heavily on Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Wasim Jr. While these bowlers bring variety, Pakistan’s bowling attack might miss the reverse swing and wicket-taking threat that Naseem offers in the middle and death overs.
📅 What’s Next: UAE T20I Tri-Series & Asia Cup Outlook
- Tri-series (Sharjah, Aug 29 – Sep 7): Pakistan faces UAE and Afghanistan as tune-up.
- Asia Cup 2025 (Abu Dhabi & Dubai, Sep 9–28): Pakistan in Group A alongside India, Oman, and UAE. They begin against Oman (Sep 12), followed by a high-profile India clash (Sep 14).
💬 Stakeholder Reactions & Expert Opinions
Legend Wasim Akram called for Babar’s recall, stressing the need for experienced calm in high-stakes conditions.
Critics point to Pakistan’s poor form in recent T20s, but PCB reiterates a long-term vision building around fresh energy.
📊 Summary: Behavioral Gameplan and Key Questions
| Theme | Strategy & Questions |
|---|---|
| Leadership | Will new captaincy spark a fresh team identity? |
| Batting Firepower | Can Fakhar, Khushdil, and Farhan fill the leadership gap? |
| Spin Combo | How will fresh spinners handle UAE pitches? |
| Fast Bowling Stability | Shaheen, Haris, Hasan to lead pace unit |
| Veterans’ Re-Entry | Can form-driven selection bring back Babar & Rizwan? |
| Future Vision | Is this a T20 World Cup 2026 building block? |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why were Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan dropped?
A: PCB prioritized form and fresh strategy, signaling a possible long-term shift, though the door remains open for a comeback.Q2: Who leads Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025?
A: Salman Ali Agha has been appointed captain.Q3: Who is included in the squad?
A: Full squad includes pace all-rounders like Shaheen Afridi, spinners Abrar Ahmed, plus batsmen Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, and more.Q4: When does Pakistan play their first Asia Cup match?
A: Against Oman on September 12, 2025, followed by a marquee India match on September 14.Q5: What’s ahead after the tri-series?
A: A preparation ramp-up via the UAE tri-series, followed by Asia Cup featuring key regional rivalries.Q6: Was Naseem Shah included in the squad?
A: No—he, along with the veterans, was omitted.Q7: Who makes Pakistan’s final squad?
A: Squad includes top pacers (Shaheen, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali), rising spinners (Abrar, Waseem Jr, Moqim), and all-rounders/batsmen like Fakhar Zaman and Khushdil Shah.🏆 Final Thoughts
The Pakistan squad announcement is bold, signaling a shift toward youth, performance focus, and strategic planning ahead of major tournaments. Whether this gamble pays off will be evident during the high-stakes tri-series and the Asia Cup journey in September.