The waiting is over! The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a 17-man Pakistan team for the Asia Cup 2025 and UAE T20I tri-series. The fans are abuzz with excitement as the selectors have blended PSL stars, fresher faces, and battle-hardened veterans. With Salman Ali Agha at the helm, Pakistan seems set to overpower in Sharjah and Dubai.
This declaration has already caused controversy: Is Pakistan’s new-look side ready to cope with the pressure of India face-off? Can youth stars such as Saim Ayub and Hassan Nawaz impress on the grand stage?
Full Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025
Captain & Wicketkeeper
- Salman Ali Agha (Captain)
- Mohammad Haris (Wicketkeeper)
Batsmen
- Fakhar Zaman
- Hassan Nawaz
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Saim Ayub
All-rounders
- Faheem Ashraf
- Hussain Talat
- Khushdil Shah
- Mohammad Nawaz
Bowlers
- Shaheen Afridi
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Ali
- Mohammad Wasim Jr.
- Salman Mirza
Spinner
Abrar Ahmed
Sufyan Muqeem
Leadership Under Salman Ali Agha
The most discussed issue is the captaincy. Salman Ali Agha will captain Pakistan for the first time in a high-voltage tournament. The PCB has stressed role definition, enhanced fielding standards, and match-up plans. His phlegmatic presence might prove instrumental in dealing with pressure games, particularly against India on September 14.
Solid Batting Line-Up
Pakistan’s batting lineup has a mix of power-hitters and stabilizers.
Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman offer explosive left-handed opening bursts in the powerplay.
Sahibzada Farhan brings solidity with his steady stroke play.
Mohammad Haris, batting wicketkeeper, guarantees hard-hitting in middle overs.
Hassan Nawaz’s inclusion indicates belief in emerging PSL stars.
Having depth in batting, Pakistan can be set for both early quickies and controlled ends.
Bowling Attack with Variety
Pakistan’s pace attack appears intimidating:
Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf continue to be the spearheads, with raw pace and swing.
Hasan Ali comes back with experience, and Salman Mirza brings in new blood.
Spin options are Abrar Ahmed’s mystery spin, Mohammad Nawaz’s left-arm spin, and Sufyan Muqeem’s angles.
This bowling combination provides three different looks during the middle overs, ideal for UAE’s spin-friendly surfaces.
Key Fixtures Ahead
The Pakistan calendar is full of action:
T20I Tri-Series (Aug 29 – Sep 7) vs Afghanistan and UAE in Sharjah.
Asia Cup 2025 kicks off Sep 12 against Oman, followed by the blockbuster Pakistan vs India 2025 match on Sep 14, then UAE on Sep 17.
Rotation will be key, particularly for fast bowlers, considering the congested schedule.
Challenges Before Pakistan
Fitness Concerns
Fakhar Zaman’s hamstring strain is still a worry. His availability is crucial for top-order left-right balance.
Team Chemistry
Under new management, establishing rhythm and confidence at a rapid pace will determine Pakistan’s performance at the Asia Cup 2025.
Spin vs All-Rounder
The big choice debate: Do Pakistan take a second spinner or use an all-seam all-rounder in the form of Faheem Ashraf?
Last Word
This Pakistan team for Asia Cup 2025 is a mix of youth, brawn, and experience. With the big stars such as Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, and new faces like Saim Ayub, the team has hope as well as responsibility. The fans will wait eagerly to see how Salman Ali Agha’s captaincy molds Pakistan’s fate in UAE.
Whether the India high-voltage match or experimenting with games against Afghanistan, there is one thing for sure: the cricketing world is going to monitor Pakistan closely.
