The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced Pakistan’s 17-member squad for the Asia Cup and the upcoming tri-nation T20 series. In a press conference held in Lahore, Head Coach Mike Hesson and Chief Selector Aaqib Javed revealed the 17-member lineup. Fans were stunned by the announcement, as Pakistan’s star duo Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan did not make the squad.
Salman Agha to Lead Pakistan
For the first time in his career, all-rounder Salman Agha has been handed the captaincy of the national team. This will be his debut leadership role in a major international tournament, signaling a fresh chapter in Pakistan’s cricketing strategy. The decision indicates PCB’s intent to test new leadership talent ahead of future global tournaments.
Full Squad List
The 17 players selected for the Asia Cup and the tri-nation series include a mix of experienced cricketers and promising youngsters. The squad is as follows:
- Salman Ali Agha (Captain)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Faheem Ashraf
- Fakhar Zaman
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Ali
- Hasan Nawaz
- Hussain Talat
- Khushdil Shah
- Mohammad Haris (Wicketkeeper)
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Mohammad Wasim Jr.
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Mirza
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Sufyan Muqeem
A Bold Move Without Senior Stars
The absence of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan – who have been the backbone of Pakistan’s batting lineup in recent years — is being seen as a bold move by the selectors. Both players have been consistent match-winners, and their exclusion opens the door for younger batsmen to prove their worth on the international stage.
A New Era for Pakistan Cricket?
With Shaheen Afridi leading the pace attack, Fakhar Zaman providing top-order firepower, and exciting youngsters like Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris getting opportunities, Pakistan’s squad has a strong balance of youth and experience. However, much will depend on how Salman Agha adapts to the captaincy role and whether the team can perform without its most established batting duo.
Both the Asia Cup and the tri-nation series will serve as key opportunities for Pakistan to test its bench strength and try out new strategies before the ICC events.
