Top News

New Delhi: Pakistan will first play Afghanistan and the UAE in a T20I tri-series in Sharjah in order to get ready for the Asia Cup. Prior to the main tournament this series will serve as a crucial test. Pakistan India Oman and the United Arab Emirates (the hosts) are all in Group A of the Asia Cup. Which player may return for Pakistan? Although there has been no official confirmation it appears that Babar Azam may be returning. In the meantime opening batsman Fakhar Zaman is almost certain to miss the tournament due to injury and vice captain Shadab Khan is recurring shoulder injury for which he underwent surgery eliminating him from contention for both the tri-series and the Asia Cup. Babar was left out following Pakistans dismal showing in the T20 World Cup and hasnt participated in a T20I match since December 2024. even though he hasnt been playing well lately. Despite scoring 236 runs at an average of 26 in his last 10 games head coach Mike Hesson continues to respect his leadership and experience. CricketPakistan.com reports that Babar might make a comeback particularly if Fakhar Zaman doesnt get better from the hamstring injury that prevented him from playing in the West Indies tour. The PCBs medical staff continues to assess Fakhars fitness at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. His availability for the Asia Cup is still uncertain even though the board hasnt formally ruled him out which could allow Babar to play. Babar may be back in the mix after meeting with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi during the West Indies tour with fast bowler Naseem Shah and ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan. However because of a shoulder injury that necessitated surgery Shadab Khan is confirmed to be out of action until at least September or October. He is therefore unable to participate in the Asia Cup or the tri-series. Why Salman Ali Agha in the team? Salman Ali Agha who is currently leading Pakistan in Twenty20 Internationals is anticipated to remain captain. The team has experienced ups and downs under his leadership winning against Bangladesh Zimbabwe and the West Indies but losing to more formidable opponents like New Zealand. For crucial matches particularly against rivals like India the PCB may bring back seasoned players like Babar Azam despite its goal of assembling a younger team. Based on fitness reports and the teams overall plan the final roster is probably going to be revealed in the second week of August. What is Pakistans probable squad? Pakistans Probable Squad For Asia Cup 2025: Saim Ayub Babar Azam/Fakhar Zaman Mohammad Rizwan Salman Ali Agha (C) Hassan Nawaz Mohammad Nawaz Mohammad Haris Khushdil Shah Shaheen Shah Afridi Naseem Shah Haris Rauf Sahibzada Farhan Faheem Ashraf Sufiyan Muqeem Salman Mirza.