By Uzma Sahar 
Pakistan cricket will enter the Asia Cup 2025 with a bold new look. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 17-man squad, and for the first time in years, neither Babar Azam nor Mohammad Rizwan will be part of the line-up.
The move signals a clear strategy shift. Instead of relying solely on established stars, selectors have decided to test emerging talent in high-pressure tournaments. All-rounder Salman Ali Agha will lead the side, with Shaheen Shah Afridi spearheading the pace attack and Fakhar Zaman expected to anchor the batting.
The squad features an exciting mix. Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali bring experience with the ball, while Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf strengthen the all-round department. On the batting side, Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan add fresh firepower, with Mohammad Haris handling wicketkeeping duties.
New inclusions like Salman Mirza and Sufiyan Muqeem offer selectors a chance to assess bench strength. Meanwhile, Hasan Nawaz and Hussain Talat will be eager to seize their opportunities on the international stage.
The timing of this squad announcement aligns with Pakistan’s upcoming tri-nation series in the UAE, starting August 29 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The tournament, involving Afghanistan and the UAE, is designed to help players acclimatize to conditions before the Asia Cup begins in September. Each team will play four matches before the final on September 7.
The PCB has made it clear that the tri-series is not just about winning but also about preparing. For Pakistan, the spotlight will now fall on its younger guns — and how well they can step into roles once dominated by senior names.