Pakistan leaves out Babar and Rizwan for the Asia Cup 2025

In a dramatic shake-up of their T20I lineup, Pakistan has unveiled a 17-member squad for the upcoming tri-series in Sharjah and the T20 Asia Cup 2025 in the United Arab Emirates. Notably, senior stalwarts Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been omitted, signaling a decisive move toward a more aggressive and youthful team strategy

Topping the list of surprises is the appointment of Salman Ali Agha as captain, with selectors leaning toward dynamic and fearless batting. Heavy hitters such as Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman headline this revamped batting core, expected to lead Pakistan’s charge in high-voltage encounters

Coach Mike Hesson has explained that the decision to leave Babar out is intended to give him time to work on specific areas of his game, suggesting a long-term vision rather than an impulsive move. The absence of Mohammad Rizwan, meanwhile, reflects Pakistan’s push for reinvention in the shortest format of the game.

The Asia Cup is scheduled to run from 9 to 28 September 2025 in the UAE, with Pakistan set to kick off their Group A campaign against Oman on 12 September, followed by a blockbuster group match against India on 14 September. Their preparation includes a T20I tri-series involving Afghanistan and the UAE, designed to build momentum ahead of the continental event.

As Pakistan embarks on this fresh chapter, they are betting on razor-sharp aggression and youthful exuberance to deliver success. With familiar faces sidelined and new talent stepping up, the Asia Cup promises to be a defining moment in the team’s evolving journey.

Pakistan squad for the UAE tri-series and Asia Cup

Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem