Pakistan Squad Announced for UAE T20I Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the Pakistan squad for UAE T20I Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025.
The tournament will run from 29 August to 28 September 2025 in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.
The tri-series will feature Pakistan, Afghanistan, and UAE, serving as the perfect preparation for the ACC Asia Cup 2025.
Pakistan’s Group in Asia Cup
The Asia Cup T20I 2025 will take place from 9 to 28 September. A total of eight teams will compete in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Pakistan are placed in Group A along with India, Oman, and UAE. The rivalry match against India on 14 September will be one of the most awaited games of the tournament.
17-Member Pakistan Squad
The Pakistan squad for UAE T20I Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025 consists of a mix of experienced players and new talent.
Pakistan Squad:
Salman Ali Agha (captain)
Abrar Ahmed
Faheem Ashraf
Fakhar Zaman
Haris Rauf
Hasan Ali
Hasan Nawaz
Hussain Talat
Khushdil Shah
Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper)
Mohammad Nawaz
Mohammad Waseem Jnr
Sahibzada Farhan
Saim Ayub
Salman Mirza
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Sufyan Muqim
No Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan
One of the biggest surprises is that Babar Azam and
Mohammad Rizwan are not part of Pakistan’s T20I squad.
Babar Azam, who last played a T20I in December 2024, could not cement his spot despite scoring runs
in PSL 2025.
His strike rate of 128.57 was considered below expectations for modern T20 cricket.
Mohammad Rizwan, like Babar, also missed recent T20I series and was not included this time.
Head coach Mike Hesson explained that Babar and Rizwan need to work on strike rotation, taking on spinners, and improving strike rate. He added that Babar could use international leagues like the BBL to showcase his form.
Fakhar Zaman Returns After Injury
Good news for Pakistan is the return of Fakhar Zaman, who was sidelined due to a hamstring injury earlier in August. His comeback strengthens Pakistan’s top order.
Emerging Players to Watch
The Pakistan squad includes young players who have recently impressed:
Sahibzada Farhan: Won three Player of the Match awards in just six games.
Salman Mirza: Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker against Bangladesh in the away T20I series.
Sufyan Muqim and Abrar Ahmed: Specialist wrist spinners retained in the squad.
These selections highlight Pakistan’s focus on aggressive batting and variety in bowling.
Tri-Series Fixtures (Sharjah)
All matches will be played at Sharjah Cricket Stadium at 7 pm local time.
29 August – Afghanistan vs Pakistan
30 August – UAE vs Pakistan
1 September – UAE vs Afghanistan
2 September – Pakistan vs Afghanistan
4 September – Pakistan vs UAE
5 September – Afghanistan vs UAE
7 September – Final
Pakistan’s Asia Cup Fixtures
Starts at 7:00 pm every match
9 September -Afghanistan vs Hong Kong
10 September -India vs UAE
11 September-Bangladesh vs Hong Kong
12 September – Pakistan vs Oman, Dubai International
Cricket Stadium (DICS), 6 pm
13 September-Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
14 September – Pakistan vs India, DICS, 6 pm
15 September -UAE VS Oman
15 September-Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong
16 September Bangladesh vs Afghanistan
17 September – Pakistan vs UAE, DICS, 6 pm
18 September-Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
19 September – India vs Oman
20-26 September – Super Fours (Abu Dhabi & Dubai)
28 September – Final, DICS, 6 pm
Coach’s Strategy and Vision
Head coach Mike Hesson emphasized Pakistan’s top-heavy aggressive batting approach.
He explained that:
The top order must set the tone with a strong strike rate.
Pakistan performed well when openers provided fast starts, especially in the West Indies where they added 138 runs.
Bowling will rely on Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, and young talent like Salman Mirza.
Hesson believes Pakistan’s current squad is well balanced for the conditions in the UAE.
Key Talking Points
No Babar Azam & Rizwan – Big change in Pakistan’s T20I plans.
Salman Ali Agha as Captain – A new leader for the squad.
Fakhar Zaman’s Return – Strengthens batting lineup.
Focus on Young Talent – Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza, and Hasan Nawaz add freshness.
Shaheen Afridi Retained – Remains Pakistan’s strike bowler in T20s.
Final Thoughts
The announcement of the Pakistan squad for UAE T20I Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025 marks a new chapter for Pakistan cricket. With senior players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan missing, the responsibility shifts to young guns and aggressive performers.
The tri-series against Afghanistan and UAE will provide valuable practice before the Asia Cup, where
matches against India and Oman will be crucial.
Fans will be eager to see if this new-look Pakistan side can deliver strong performances and finally lift the T20 Asia Cup, a trophy that has so far eluded them.