ISLAMABAD – In a dramatic shift ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 17-member T20 squad, appointing Salman Ali Agha as captain while making the stunning decision to drop Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, two of Pakistan’s most reliable batsmen in recent years.
The announcement has sparked intense debate among fans, analysts, and former cricketers, with many describing the move as one of the boldest selection calls in recent memory. The decision underscores a new strategy being driven by coach Mike Hesson and the selectors—one that prioritises attacking cricket, fresh talent, and adaptability under pressure.
A New Era in the Making
The exclusion of Babar Azam, Pakistan’s former captain and one of the world’s leading T20 batsmen, along with wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, signals a clear reset in Pakistan’s white-ball cricket. According to reports, both players have been advised to work on specific areas of their game, particularly strike rotation against spin and power-hitting in middle overs—factors that the team management believes are crucial for success in modern T20 cricket.
Meanwhile, Salman Agha, who has earned a reputation for his all-round abilities and composure on the field, has been handed the responsibility of leading a side that combines experience with youthful aggression.
The 17-Member Squad
The selected squad for the upcoming T20 tri-series (August 29–September 7) and Asia Cup (September 9–28) includes:
- Salman Ali Agha (Captain)
- Shaheen Afridi
- Fakhar Zaman (making a return from injury)
- Saim Ayub
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Ali
- Mohammad Haris
- Khushdil Shah
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Faheem Ashraf
- Abrar Ahmed
- Hasan Nawaz
- Hussain Talat
- Mohammad Wasim Jr.
- Salman Mirza
- Sufyan Moqim
This squad reflects a balance between experience and upcoming talent, with particular emphasis on young batters who can accelerate from the very start of the innings.
High-Pressure Games Ahead
Pakistan will kick off its Asia Cup campaign against Oman on September 12, followed by the much-anticipated clash against arch-rivals India on September 14. This high-stakes match will serve as an early test for the revamped lineup under Salman Agha’s leadership.
Former cricketers have described the move as “risky but necessary,” pointing out that Pakistan’s recent T20 performances lacked the aggressive edge needed in international tournaments. The absence of Babar and Rizwan, however, leaves big shoes to fill, as both players have anchored Pakistan’s batting for years.
Fans Divided Over Decision
On social media, reactions have been mixed. Supporters of the new strategy argue that Pakistan needed to inject freshness and unpredictability into its batting order. Critics, however, believe that dropping world-class players like Babar and Rizwan ahead of a major tournament could backfire, especially against strong sides like India and Sri Lanka.
The PCB, however, has made its stance clear: the team’s future lies in evolving beyond its reliance on a few stars and building a side capable of consistently challenging the world’s best.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.