Pakistan has announced its squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Pakistan chief selector Aaqib Javed, speaking to the reporters after the squad announcement, was quite confident that this team can beat India during the tournament. The Men in Green will face the Men in Blue on 14th September, and potentially, both sides could clash again later in the tournament.
“This team has the ability to beat India in the Asia Cup. Whether you like it or not, the match between India and Pakistan is the biggest in world cricket. Every player knows this,” Javed said.
“Our squad can beat any team. Everyone is ready. Everyone knows the situation surrounding the two countries. But we don’t need to put extra pressure on them,” he added.
Head Coach Mike Hesson called out Babar Azam to improve his strike rate, as the batter has been omitted from the squad. “I think it’s really harsh to challenge a player on their form in three games,” he said at a press conference. “Babar played nicely in the first ODI but missed out on the next two. There’s no doubt Babar’s been asked to improve in some areas around taking on spin and in terms of his strike rate. Those are things he’s working really hard on,” Hesson said.
While Babar and Rizwan continued to be overlooked, the senior players who earned a spot are pace bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, as well as dependable batters such as Fakhar Zaman and Khushdil Shah. Star wicket-keeper Mohammad Haris also kept his spot. The selectors have also reposed their faith in young names like Hasan Nawaz, Salman Mirza, and Sufyan Moqim.
Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 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 and Sufiyan Muqeem.
