Babam Azam and Mohammad Rizwan not picked for Asia Cup 2025 (Image Credit:- X)

Pakistan announced their 17 member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 and tri-series in UAE. Senior batters Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan didn’t find a place in the squad. Salman Agha will lead the squad.

Both Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan last played T20I for Pakistan in December 2024. They didn’t find a place in the squad for the recent series against Bangladesh and West Indies.

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Left hand batter Fakhar Zaman who suffered an injury during the West Indies series has recovered and find a place in the squad led by Salman Agha.

Pakistan retained all the players who were in the squad for the West Indies series which they won 2-1. In addition to that they included left arm pacer Salman Mirza and all-rounder Mohammed Wasim.

First , Pakistan will play the tri-series against UAE and Afghanistan ahead of the Asia Cup. They will begin their Asia Cup campaign against Oman on September 12.

What Head Coach Mike Hesson said?

“I think it’s really harsh to challenge a player on their form on three games. Babar played nicely in the first ODI but missed out on the next two. There’s no doubt Babar’s been asked to improve in some areas around taking on spin and in terms of strike rate. Those are the things he really working hard on.

“But at the moment, the players we have done exceptionally well. Sahibzada Farhan has played six games and won three Player of the Match awards. A Player like Babar has an opportunity to play in the BBL and show he’s improving in those areas in T20s. He’s too good a player not to consider,” Pakistan Head Coach Mike Hesson said.

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Left arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi retained his place in the squad while Naseem Shah once again misses out.

Pakistan Squad for Tri-series and Asia Cup

Salman Agha (c) , Abrar Ahmed , Faheem Ashraf , Fakhar Zaman , Haris Rauf , Hasan Ali , Hasan Nawaz , Hussain Talat , Khusdhil Shah , Mohammad Harris(wk) , Mohammad Nawaz , Mohammad Wasim , Sahibzada Farhan , Saim Ayub , Salman Mirza , Shaheen Shah Afridi , Sufiyan Muqeem.