No Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan in Pakistan’s Asia Cup Squad; Fakhar Zaman Returns

Pakistan’s cricket selectors have made major calls ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, with former T20I captains Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan omitted from the squad. However, a welcome return is that of Fakhar Zaman, who had recently recovered from a hamstring injury in early August.

Squad Leadership and Composition

The 17-member squad will be led by Salman Agha and includes a blend of youth and experience, with key players such as Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Hasan Ali included. The team will participate in a lead-up tri-series in the UAE against Afghanistan and the hosts UAE before the Asia Cup’s September 9 start.

Babar and Rizwan Left Out

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who were stalwarts of Pakistan’s T20 setup, have fallen out of favour after a dip in recent form. Both have not featured in Pakistan’s T20I matches since December 2024. Babar scored 288 runs in ten innings during PSL 2025, including some strong knocks but a modest strike rate of 128.57. Mohammad Rizwan had similarly quiet outings in recent ODIs and T20s.

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson explained Babar’s exclusion:
"Babar has been asked to improve his strike rate and ability to tackle spin. He’s working hard on these areas to regain his place." Hesson added it is "harsh to judge a player on three games" but noted current players have performed exceptionally.

Team’s Aggressive Approach Remains

Despite changes, Pakistan plans to continue their aggressive top-heavy batting approach under Hesson. The recent performances across varied conditions—from flat Lahore pitches to challenging Bangladesh wickets and Caribbean fast tracks—have strengthened their higher-order batting core.

Fakhar Zaman’s Return

Opening batter Fakhar Zaman, sidelined due to hamstring troubles in early August, is fit and included, adding experience and power to Pakistan’s top order.

Notable Inclusions and Bowling Unit

• Off-spinners Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem retain their spots, offering wrist spin variety.

• Salman Mirza, pace spearhead for Lahore Qalandars and leading wicket-taker against Bangladesh, joins the squad.

• Shaheen Afridi remains a key figure in the pace bowling attack, while Naseem Shah is absent due to CPL commitments.

Looking Ahead

Pakistan will use the UAE tri-series as preparation before the Asia Cup. Despite missing some big names, the squad projects confidence and depth. Pakistan, a finalist in the last Asia Cup T20 in 2022 but yet to win the title, will look to build momentum and challenge strong opposition, including their arch-rivals India in a high-profile group stage match.

This squad shift reflects Pakistan’s current transition period in T20 cricket with a focus on youth performance, adaptability, and grooming new leaders for the future of the shortest format.