The Pakistan selectors have omitted seasoned players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from their 17-member squad for the upcoming tri-series in the UAE and the Asia Cup. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) published the squad on its official website, which includes fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammed Wasim, and left-arm bowler Salman Mirza. In the build-up to the Asia Cup, which is scheduled to be held in T20 format in the UAE starting September 9, Salman Ali Agha’s team will take part in a tri-series in Sharjah, facing Afghanistan and the UAE from August 29 to September 7.
The decision to leave out Babar and Rizwan has sparked considerable attention. Once automatic selections for the T20I side, both players have recently found it difficult to earn a place in the team. Their last appearance for Pakistan in T20 internationals was in December 2024.
Commenting on the Asia Cup squad selection, Mohsin Naqvi, the chairperson of the PCB and president of the Asian Cricket Council, clarified that his role in the selection process is limited.
“I want to clarify that I don’t have even 1% in selecting players for the team or deciding who gets removed,” Naqvi told reporters.
“We have a selection committee and an advisory body, and they all collaborate together. The process involves lengthy discussions, sometimes lasting 8-10 hours or even spanning 2-3 days. Rest assured, when a team is being chosen, it’s in capable hands, with all the professionals involved.”
“I’ve told them just one thing – whatever decision they make, it should be based on merit, and I will fully support it.”
Pakistan have been placed in Group A for the Asia Cup, alongside their traditional rivals India, as well as the UAE and Oman. The tournament will take place from September 9 to 28.
Pakistan squad for Asia Cup 2025: Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Hasan Ali, Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Shaheen Shah Afridi,Salman Mirza, Sufiyan Muqeem.