3 Pakistan Players Who Can Be Removed From Final Asia Cup Squad Despite Selection

Hasan Ali for Pakistan (AFP)

The PCB has announced Pakistan's 17-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025. As expected, the likes of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have missed out, and Pakistan have gone with a relatively young side.

There are some surprise inclusions as well, and Pakistan fans would be hoping that they gel together and deliver a strong performance. However, Pakistan selectors have a tendency to make last-minute changes ahead of the big tournaments, and it could happen again for the Asia Cup.

Thus, in this article, we will look at the three players who can be removed from the squad despite selection.

1. Faheem Ashraf

Faheem Ashraf, the seam-bowling all-rounder, is the one who could face the axe if selectors feel that he won't be effective in the UAE. The pitches there tend to support spinners, and Faheem Ashraf, with his military pace, might not be effective.

Faheem Ashraf In T20Is in UAE

Also, as shown in the table, his record in T20Is in the UAE is pretty poor and has not made an impact either with bat or ball. Also, there are high chances that Pakistan might prefer a spin-bowling all-rounder, Mohammad Nawaz, in the playing XI. 

If needed, there is Mohammed Waseem Jnr, who is a better bowler than Faheem Ashraf and can bat too, and Hussain Talat can also bowl some medium pace with his batting. Thus, if Pakistan selectors decide to make changes, Faheem Ashraf might be the first one to be eliminated.

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2. Khushdil Shah

Khushdil Shah has done decently over the years in PSL with his finishing skills and left-arm spin. However, in T20Is, he has not been able to make an impact. He could not do well against Bangladesh and the West Indies, either, and Shadab Khan could be a better asset in his place. There is also an option of Faisal Akram, who is doing well for the A team.

Khushdil Shah In T20Is

Khushdil is also not trusted enough with the ball at the international level and has an average of 14.50 with the bat in six T20Is in the UAE. Thus, he is another player who could be removed from the squad before the Asia Cup starts.

3. Hasan Ali

Hasan Ali has been part of Pakistan's ODI and T20I squads in recent times. However, apart from a fifer against Bangladesh in Lahore, he has not been effective. 

Hasan Ali In T20Is

There is an option of Abbas Afridi, who brings the left-arm angle and is known for his death-bowling skills. Abbas Afridi is also a better batter who can contribute at number 8. 

Also, Pakistan might also want to bring an extra spinner if the selectors feel conditions are more tweaker-friendly and Hasan Ali could miss the cut if that happens. Other pacers in the Asia Cup squad have more pace and are proven performers like Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi while Mohammad Wasim Jr. also provides that extra byte and death-bowling option.

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