Pakistan’s selectors sprung a surprise on Sunday by leaving out senior batters Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan from the 17-member squad for the upcoming tri-series in the UAE and the Asia Cup.
Babar and Rizwan, who played pivotal roles in Pakistan’s triumph at the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE, have been absent from the shortest format since December 2024. Their exclusion marks a significant shift in the team’s approach ahead of the continental tournament.
Shaheen Afridi to lead pace attack
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled the squad on its website, confirming the inclusion of senior fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, alongside Mohammed Wasim and left-arm pacer Salman Mirza.
The Salman Ali Agha-led side will first feature in a tri-series with Afghanistan and hosts UAE at Sharjah, scheduled between August 29 and September 7.
Asia Cup challenge
The Asia Cup, to be played in the T20 format from September 9 to 28, will see Pakistan clubbed in Group A alongside traditional rivals India, as well as UAE and Oman.
The tournament promises a high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan, with the absence of two of Pakistan’s most experienced batters expected to be a major talking point.
Full squad
Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.
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