Pakistan Announces Squad for Asia Cup 2025: Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan Omitted
Pakistan's Asia Cup 2025 Squad Unveiled
The Pakistan cricket team has revealed its lineup for the Asia Cup 2025, set to commence on September 9. Salman Ali Agha will continue as the captain, but the exclusion of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan has raised eyebrows.
The selected players include: Salman Ali (C), Abrar, Faheem, Fakhar, Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Talat, Khushdil Shah, Haris (WK), Nawaz, Waseem Jnr, Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen, and Sufyan Moqim.
🚨 NO BABAR & RIZWAN IN PAKISTAN SQUAD FOR ASIA CUP 🚨
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 17, 2025
Salman Ali (C), Abrar, Faheem, Fakhar, Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Talat, Khushdil Shah, Haris (WK), Nawaz, Waseem Jnr, Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen, Sufyan Moqim. pic.twitter.com/9jfFKEoXwk
In a surprising move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opted for a younger squad, following disappointing performances from key players and a recent ODI series loss to the West Indies.
During the final ODI in Trinidad, Pakistan faced a heavy defeat, losing by 202 runs and conceding the series 2-1. This marked the West Indies' first home series victory against Pakistan in 36 years. Chasing a target of 295, Pakistan's batting lineup faltered, collapsing for just 92 runs in 29.2 overs, with no partnerships forming to stabilize the innings.
Notably, five Pakistani players, including Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, and Abrar Ahmed, were dismissed without scoring. Salman Ali Agha managed to score 30 runs, but lacked support from his teammates. Babar Azam's struggles continued as he only managed 9 runs, extending his streak to 72 international innings without a century, raising concerns about his form across formats.