The Asia Cup 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for Pakistan cricket, as the team navigates a transitional phase while aiming to compete against Asia’s cricketing giants, including arch-rivals India. With the tournament set to take place in the T20I format, Pakistan’s squad selection has sparked intense debate, particularly around the inclusion of star players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Reports suggest that Babar Azam’s spot in the squad could be in jeopardy, with Fakhar Zaman emerging as a potential alternative. This article delves into the probable Pakistan squad for the Asia Cup 2025, analyzing key players, leadership dynamics, and the challenges the team faces as they prepare for the tournament.
Background: Pakistan’s Preparations for Asia Cup 2025
The Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be hosted in the UAE, is a crucial stepping stone for Pakistan as they gear up for the T20 World Cup 2026. Before the main event, Pakistan will participate in a T20I tri-nation series against Afghanistan and the UAE in Sharjah, providing a critical opportunity to test new combinations and refine strategies. The team is placed in Pool A alongside India, Oman, and the hosts UAE, setting the stage for high-stakes encounters, particularly the much-anticipated clash against India on September 14, 2025.
Pakistan’s cricket team is in a period of transition, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) balancing the inclusion of experienced players with emerging talent. The squad announcement, expected in the second week of August 2025, will reflect this approach, as selectors aim to build a competitive unit capable of challenging for the title. However, recent performances and injury concerns have cast doubts on the roles of some of Pakistan’s biggest stars, with Babar Azam’s inclusion being a focal point of discussion.
The Babar Azam Conundrum
Babar Azam, widely regarded as one of the world’s premier batsmen, has been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s batting lineup across formats. However, his recent T20I form has raised questions about his automatic inclusion in the squad. In 2024, Babar scored 738 runs in 24 T20I matches at an average of 33, but his strike rate of 133 has been criticized as too conservative for the fast-paced demands of T20 cricket. His last T20I appearance was in December 2024, and his absence from the format in 2025 has fueled speculation about his role in the Asia Cup.
Reports indicate that Babar’s spot in the T20I squad is under scrutiny, with selectors considering alternatives due to his relatively low strike rate and Pakistan’s desire to inject more aggression into their batting lineup. Despite this, Babar’s experience and leadership qualities make him a valuable asset, particularly in high-pressure matches like those against India. Head Coach Mike Hesson has reportedly backed Babar’s inclusion, citing his ability to anchor innings and his success as an opener in other formats, such as Test cricket.
The PCB’s decision on Babar’s inclusion may also hinge on his performance in the ongoing ODI series against the West Indies. A strong showing could solidify his case for a T20I comeback, potentially as an opener alongside Fakhar Zaman or Saim Ayub. However, rumors of a rift between Babar and current T20I captain Salman Ali Agha have added complexity to the situation. PCB officials and Salman have dismissed these claims as baseless, emphasizing team unity ahead of the tournament.
Fakhar Zaman: A Viable Alternative?
Fakhar Zaman, known for his explosive batting, has emerged as a potential replacement for Babar Azam in the top order. However, Fakhar’s own form and fitness have been under the microscope. In 2025, he played five T20I matches, managing a strike rate of just 113, which is underwhelming for a player known for his aggressive approach. Additionally, a hamstring injury sustained during Pakistan’s tour of the West Indies has cast doubt on his availability for the Asia Cup. Fakhar is currently undergoing fitness assessments at the PCB’s National Cricket Academy in Lahore, and his inclusion remains uncertain.
Despite these concerns, Fakhar’s recall to the Pakistan squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 indicates that selectors still value his potential. His ability to take on bowlers in the powerplay could provide the spark Pakistan needs, especially in conditions favoring aggressive batting. If Fakhar regains full fitness, he could complement or even replace Babar at the top of the order, depending on the team’s strategic priorities.
The debate over Babar versus Fakhar is not straightforward. While Babar offers consistency and technical prowess, Fakhar brings flair and the ability to dominate attacks early. The selectors’ decision will likely depend on the team’s overall balance and the specific conditions expected in the UAE, where pitches often favor batsmen who can accelerate quickly.
Leadership and Key Players
Salman Ali Agha is expected to lead Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, continuing his role as T20I captain. Since taking over in 2024, Salman has led Pakistan in 18 T20Is, securing nine victories. His all-round contributions—380 runs and four wickets in 21 matches—make him a vital cog in the team. His leadership will be crucial in navigating Pakistan through a challenging group stage and potential knockout clashes.
Mohammad Rizwan, another key figure, is set to play a dual role as vice-captain and wicketkeeper. Despite criticism for his strike rate of 117 in T20Is in 2024, Rizwan’s ability to build partnerships and stabilize the middle order ensures his place in the squad. His calm demeanor and adaptability make him a reliable performer in high-pressure situations.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan’s premier fast bowler, is another automatic selection despite a dip in form. In 2025, he picked up just four wickets in six T20Is at an economy rate of 9.09. While his recent performances have been underwhelming, his ability to swing the ball and take early wickets remains critical, especially in the UAE’s conditions. Haris Rauf, with his raw pace, and Naseem Shah, despite an economy rate of 9.37 in 2024, are also likely to feature in the pace attack.
Shadab Khan, a key all-rounder and former vice-captain, is expected to miss the tournament due to a recurring shoulder injury. His absence leaves a significant gap in Pakistan’s spin bowling and middle-order batting, forcing selectors to rely on other options like Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed.
Probable Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025
Based on recent reports and performances, here is a probable Pakistan squad for the Asia Cup 2025:
Saim Ayub (Batsman)
Babar Azam/Fakhar Zaman (Batsman)
Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper)
Salman Ali Agha (Captain, All-rounder)
Hassan Nawaz (Batsman)
Mohammad Nawaz (All-rounder)
Mohammad Haris (Wicketkeeper/Batsman)
Khushdil Shah (All-rounder)
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Bowler)
Naseem Shah (Bowler)
Haris Rauf (Bowler)
Sahibzada Farhan (Batsman)
Faheem Ashraf (All-rounder)
Sufiyan Muqeem (Bowler)
Salman Mirza (Bowler)
This squad reflects a blend of youth and experience, with a focus on versatility to adapt to varying conditions. The inclusion of Babar Azam or Fakhar Zaman will depend on fitness and form, while Saim Ayub’s availability is also uncertain due to an ankle injury sustained during a Test match against South Africa.
Possible Playing XI
A probable playing XI for Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 could be:
Saim Ayub (if fit) / Fakhar Zaman
Babar Azam (if selected) / Sahibzada Farhan
Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
Salman Ali Agha (C)
Hassan Nawaz
Mohammad Nawaz
Mohammad Haris
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Haris Rauf
Naseem Shah
Abrar Ahmed
This lineup offers a strong batting core, a potent pace attack, and spin options to tackle Asian conditions. However, the absence of Shadab Khan and potential injuries to key players like Saim Ayub could force adjustments.
Challenges Ahead
Pakistan faces several challenges as they approach the Asia Cup 2025:
Middle-Order Stability: Pakistan’s middle order has struggled to finish games in high-pressure situations. Players like Mohammad Haris and Khushdil Shah will need to step up to provide the necessary firepower.
Injury Concerns: Injuries to key players like Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, and Shadab Khan pose significant risks. Managing the workload of pacers like Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, who have had injury issues in the past, will be critical.
Spin Bowling Depth: With Shadab Khan sidelined, Pakistan lacks a specialist spinner capable of controlling the middle overs on turning tracks. Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem will need to fill this void effectively.
Form of Key Players: The underwhelming recent performances of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi raise concerns about their ability to deliver in crucial moments. The team will need these players to regain their best form to compete against strong sides like India.
Strategic Considerations
Pakistan’s strategy for the Asia Cup will likely focus on leveraging their pace attack, led by Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, to exploit early swing in UAE conditions. The batting unit will need to adopt a more aggressive approach, particularly in the powerplay, to set or chase competitive totals. The tri-nation series against Afghanistan and the UAE will serve as a testing ground to fine-tune these strategies and assess the form of players like Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman.
The marquee clash against India on September 14, 2025, will be a defining moment for Pakistan. A victory could boost team morale and set the tone for the tournament. Salman Ali Agha’s leadership will be tested as he balances the team’s aggressive instincts with the need for stability in high-pressure games.
In Summary
The Asia Cup 2025 presents both an opportunity and a challenge for Pakistan as they aim to reclaim the title and build momentum for the T20 World Cup 2026. The debate over Babar Azam’s inclusion and Fakhar Zaman’s potential comeback underscores the team’s transitional phase, with selectors striving to balance experience with youth. While Babar’s technical brilliance and leadership make him a likely pick, Fakhar’s explosive potential could tilt the scales in his favor if he proves his fitness.
Under Salman Ali Agha’s captaincy, Pakistan has the talent to compete with the best, but addressing middle-order frailties, managing injuries, and strengthening the spin department will be key to their success. With a potent pace attack and a versatile squad, Pakistan has the potential to make a strong statement in the Asia Cup 2025, provided they can navigate the uncertainties surrounding their key players. As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on the PCB’s final squad announcement and how Pakistan shapes up for the challenges ahead.
