Salman Ali Agha to captain; fresh faces picked as Pakistan rebuilds for 2025 season
LAHORE: In a shock decision that has rocked Pakistan cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has left out star performers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from its 17-member squad for the upcoming UAE Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025.
All-rounder Salman Ali Agha has been handed the captaincy once again, signaling a shift towards fresh leadership and new blood. The squad features familiar names like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Fakhar Zaman, while youngsters Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz, and Sahibzada Farhan have been given the nod.
The tri-series, involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and hosts UAE, begins in Sharjah on August 29. The high-stakes Asia Cup follows from September 9–28 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Aqib Javed: “No one is untouchable”
PCB’s Director of High Performance Aqib Javed underlined that selections are based purely on performance.
“The player who performs will play. Babar and Rizwan are not ruled out forever, but their return depends on runs and performances in leagues like the Big Bash,” Aqib said, confirming that Salman Mirza’s call-up was due to his impressive form in Bangladesh.
Mike Hesson backs bold calls
Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson admitted it was a tough call to sideline Babar but stressed it was necessary.
“It’s hard to judge a player on three games, but Babar has areas to improve. If both he and Rizwan deliver like others, they will absolutely come back,” Hesson said.
Pakistan’s 17-member squad for UAE Tri-Series & Asia Cup 2025
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Sufyan Moqim, Sahibzada Farhan.
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