Cricket fans in Pakistan, get ready! The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced its 17-man squad for the 2025 Asia Cup, yet the most shocking news is that the squad does not have either Babar Azam or Mohammad Rizwan. The squad will be led by Salman Ali Agha, while Mohammad Haris handles the keeping duties. Although the skill and experience of Azam and Rizwan will be hard to replace, there is a pretty fair mix of players who have returned, youth, and players who can very well turn games on their heads. In this article, I will unpack what this shocking squad could mean for the direction that Pakistan goes in the Asia Cup.
A New Captain, A Fresh Approach
Salman Ali Agha, as captain, is probably the hottest topic. With a clear head and good thinking skills, Salman has a new perspective on captaincy. He is not just a temporary captain, and playing in domestic circuits and T20 leagues should suggest that he can handle pressure. The change shows that the PCB is in a position to take chances and gives the squad some new life. For fans who have only seen Babar hold captaincy, this is a huge change, and it comes with questions: Can Salman motivate a squad without its two biggest stars? Early returns from practice sessions and his domestic record suggest he might be able to ensure a good start.f.
Bowler’s Paradise: Shaheen, Haris, and the Young Guns
Even though Pakistan’s pace attack has had some notable absences, it is still a threat. Shaheen Afridi is ultimately supported by Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali, while all three are capable of taking wickets and exerting pressure as necessary; that’s what Pakistan needs on the pitches in the UAE that change quickly. The addition of young guns like Hasan Nawaz provides depth to the attack, and the X-factor would interest the opposition. The team also relies on the trickery of spinners Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz to control the middle overs. The bowling unit seems just a little bit more dynamic.
Batting Mix: Experience Meets Youth
Fakhar Zaman, in the explosive firepower position at the top of the order, takes a back seat while the middle-order players Hussain Talat, Saim Ayub, and Khusdhil Shah add their fair share of aggression and flair to the mix, but also the inability to be consistent. Mohammad Haris will be looking to hold together the innings from the wicket-keeper’s position – why not if Haris gets going early? Pakistan’s batting is more group-dependent as there is no Babar or Rizwan – so each player’s contributions are paramount. There are no luxury names, but the unpredictability can be beneficial for Pakistan, and being in the same group as India, the UAE, and Oman in Group A can help.
Bold Choices, Big Questions
The Asia Cup 2025 squad appears to signal Pakistan’s desire to experiment and develop young players while remaining competitive at the same time. Leadership in the squad under Salman Ali Agha, the strike-power of Shaheen and the boys, and the raw talent in the batting line-up make for an interesting team. Will Pakistan’s gamble pay off, or will the missing Babar and Rizwan be too much to overcome? Fans can catch the first match on September 12 versus Oman, with India up next on September 14. One thing is for sure: this Asia Cup will have plenty of drama, surprises, and talking points for cricket fans alike.