Fakhar, Shaheen In; Babar Out: Pakistan's Key Asia Cup Squad Changes From 2022 Edition

Pakistan made key changes for Asia Cup 2025 [Source: AFP]

Recently, the PCB unveiled Pakistan's robust 17-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025. Led by Agha Salman, the Men in Green will cross swords against Oman before taking on the UAE and arch-rivals India in the league stage of the tournament. 

We find plenty of noticeable changes in Pakistan's 2025 Asia Cup squad if we compare it to that for the 2022 edition, the last time when the tournament followed a T20 format. Therefore, as Agha Salman and co prepare for the showpiece event, let's see the notable changes and their strategic implications. 

Pakistan's Squad For Asia Cup 2025

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim

Changes in Pakistan's squad from previous T20I Asia Cup edition

Out: Babar Azam, Haider Ali, Asif Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usman Qadir, Mohammad Hasnain

In: Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris, Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Sahibzada Farhan, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Sufiyan Muqeem

Key Changes And Their Strategic Significance

No place for anchors like Babar, more dynamic batters like Ayub, Nawaz in

(Table shows batters from 2025 squad have much better T20I SR than those from 2022 batch)

• The exclusion of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan is aimed at reducing the number of anchors, who generally take a bit of time before upping the ante. The experienced Fakhar Zaman retains his place, while more dynamic batters like Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz have entered the squad, ensuring firepower throughout the lineup. 
• The data presented in the above table shows that the specialised batters from the 2022 Asia Cup edition have much lower strike rates than their 2025 counterparts. Thus, Pakistan have gone with a more aggressive mindset, including players who can adapt to the modern T20I tempo and capitalise on the batting-friendly conditions in a more appropriate way. 

More multi-dimensional players than previous edition

• Pakistan's 2022 Asia Cup squad had four all-round options- Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah and Mohammad Nawaz. However, the one they have selected for the upcoming tournament has two excellent additions- Saim Ayub and Agha Salman. 
• Besides scoring quick runs at the top of the order, Saim Ayub can chip in with crucial overs of finger spin, making him a valuable asset for Pakistan in the tournament. On a similar note, players like Salman Agha, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf and Hussain Talat can contribute with both bat and ball, ensuring flexibility and depth in the lineup. 
• More importantly, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Wasim Jr can be handy batters lower down the order, giving the license to their top-order to play an aggressive brand of cricket and set the foundation for a huge score with their fearless stroke play. 

More formidable spin attack 

While the return of Shaheen Afridi, who missed out on the 2022 Asia Cup due to injury, has bolstered Pakistan's pace attack, their strengthened spin attack has made Pakistan a quality bowling side for the Asia Cup. 

(Pakistan's spin resources in Asia Cup 2025)

• The table presented above shows the variety in Pakistan's spin-bowling attack. While Abrar Ahmed comes in as a like-for-like replacement for Usman Qadir, the addition of a left-arm leg spinner in Sufiyan Muqeem has certainly strengthened their spin department. 
• Mohammad Nawaz is in sublime form, having bagged the most wickets in the recently held West Indies T20Is. Furthermore, players like Agha Salman, Saim Ayub and Khushdil Shah can chip in with handy overs, making Pakistan's spin-attack versatile and one to watch out for in the tournament. 
• Therefore, if we compare Pakistan's spin department for the Asia Cup 2025 to that in the 2022 edition, which had Shadab, Iftikhar, Nawaz, Khushdil and Usman Qadir, the attack seems more formidable and potent this time around. 

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