Pakistan is gearing up for the 2025 Asia Cup on the back of playing not-so-impressive cricket. Although the side recently won the tri-nation series against Afghanistan and UAE, the team is still in a transition phase, which could either lead to convincing results or expose inconsistencies.
Led by Salman Ali Agha and coached by Mike Hesson, Pakistan will look to make a strong impact in this Asia Cup after disappointing campaigns in the T20 World Cup 2024 and the Champions Trophy 2025. This will be the very first time Pakistan enters a major tournament without Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, but the absence may not be felt as strongly as expected, since the new-look, modern team appears well-settled and ready to face any storm in the Asia Cup 2025.
Pakistan has made 15 appearances in this tournament so far. They have lifted the trophy twice—once in 2000 under Moin Khan and again in 2012 under Misbah-ul-Haq.
Fixtures (Group A)
- 12 September – Pakistan vs Oman
- 14 September – India vs Pakistan
- 17 September – Pakistan vs UAE
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.
Overview:
Pakistan has announced an all-rounder-heavy squad, a strategy consistent with coach Mike Hesson’s preference, as seen during his time with Islamabad United in the PSL. Interestingly, Pakistan’s opening pair looks more settled than in previous years. Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan have impressed in recent series, and both possess the ability to go hard from the start, which could be decisive on UAE pitches. Fakhar Zaman’s form, however, has been inconsistent, though his crucial knock in the tri-series final might give him enough confidence to perform in the Asia Cup.
The middle and lower order looks balanced with contributions from Hasan, Agha, Nawaz, and Faheem, who have stepped up in key moments. The team will also hope that Mohammad Haris ends his poor run of form and plays a vital role with the bat.
On the bowling front, Shaheen Shah Afridi has been impressive with both the new and old ball, while Haris Rauf continues to deliver pace and aggression. The spin department, featuring Abrar Ahmed, Sufyan Moqim, and Mohammad Nawaz, provides flexibility, with part-time options like Salman Ali Agha and Saim Ayub adding depth.
However, it will be difficult for Pakistan to play both Sufyan and Abrar together, as that would require dropping a pacer—an unenviable decision in a tournament like this.
Players to Watch:
- Hasan Nawaz: The young batter has been in scintillating form, especially after a strong PSL 2025. His six-hitting ability makes him a dangerous prospect at the top of the order.
- Abrar Ahmed and Sufyan Moqim: Both spinners are exciting young talents who impressed in the tri-series and have the potential to dismantle opposition batting line-ups.
Overall, Pakistan’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025 looks promising, but much will depend on how well the players execute their plans in crunch moments. With a new captain at the helm and fresh faces eager to prove themselves, the team carries both unpredictability and potential.
