By ABDULLAH 
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially unveiled a 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 and the UAE T20I Tri-Series, with Salman Ali Agha named as captain. The squad combines experienced internationals with promising youngsters, aiming to deliver strong performances in the UAE conditions.
- Salman Ali Agha will lead Pakistan in both tournaments.
- Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf spearhead the pace attack, backed by Hasan Ali and emerging quick Salman Mirza.
- Spin options include Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, and Sufyan Muqeem, ensuring depth in slow-bowling conditions of Dubai and Sharjah.
- Young talents Saim Ayub, Hassan Nawaz, and Sahibzada Farhan provide firepower at the top of the order.
- Fakhar Zaman, despite recent hamstring concerns, has been included, offering vital left-handed stability in the top three.
- Notably, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been rested, opening doors for fresh faces like Mohammad Haris to take on key batting roles.
Salman Ali Agha (c), Mohammad Haris (wk), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Muqeem.
- Aug 29 – Afghanistan vs Pakistan – 7 PM
- Aug 30 – UAE vs Pakistan – 7 PM
- Sep 2 – Pakistan vs Afghanistan – 7 PM
- Sep 4 – Pakistan vs UAE – 7 PM
- Sep 7 – Final – 7 PM
- Sep 12 – Pakistan vs Oman – 6 PM
- Sep 14 – Pakistan vs India – 6 PM
- Sep 17 – Pakistan vs UAE – 6 PM
- Sep 20–26 – Super Fours (Abu Dhabi & Dubai)
- Sep 28 – Final – 6 PM
The selection reflects Pakistan’s intent to play aggressive cricket in powerplays with Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman, while Mohammad Haris is expected to maintain high strike rates in the middle overs. Bowling depth remains a strength, with Shaheen and Haris Rauf supported by spin variations from Abrar and Nawaz — crucial for UAE wickets.
The team management is expected to rotate fast bowlers during the tri-series to manage workloads ahead of the high-stakes clash against India in the Asia Cup.
Pakistan’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025 and the UAE tri-series showcases a balanced mix of youth and experience, with Salman Ali Agha’s leadership set to define a new phase in T20 cricket. Fans will eagerly watch how the team shapes up against India, Afghanistan, and Oman in what promises to be an exciting season for Pakistan cricket.