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Shaheen Afridi In The List: Players Who Could Be Left Out Of Pakistan's Asia Cup 2025 Squad

Debashis Sarangi

Shaheen has had a torrid time in T20Is [Source: AFP]Shaheen has had a torrid time in T20Is [Source: AFP]

Pakistan recently enjoyed stellar success in the West Indies T20Is, winning the series by 2-1. After incurring a narrow defeat in the second match, Pakistan bounced back remarkably, swatting aside the hosts by 13 runs in the decider at Lauderhill. 

However, despite their clinical outing in the Caribbean, Pakistan must be disappointed with the performance of some of their key players on the tour. Therefore, as the Asia Cup approaches, here are three players whose spots in the T20I side seem to be under severe threat. 

1. Shaheen Afridi

Why could Pakistan drop Shaheen Afridi for Asia Cup?

Poor Recent Form

Criterion
Data
Innings6
Wickets4
Average/SR47.75/31.5
Economy9.10

(Shaheen Afridi's T20I stats in 2025)

  • Shaheen Afridi is hailed for his ability to swing the new ball up front and bag crucial wickets. However, he has had modest success in T20Is of late, managing four wickets in six matches this year. 
  • Shaheen put up a mediocre performance in the recently held T20I series against West Indies. Overall, he could bag only two wickets while conceding 58 runs across two matches. 

Replacements ready

  • Recently, Pakistan tried Salman Mirza and Ahmed Daniyal in the Bangladesh T20Is. Both these bowlers were impressive in the series, scalping ten wickets collectively. 
  • So, given that they have been more potent than Shaheen, who has been in and out of the team, either Salman or Daniyal could replace the left-arm pacer in the Asia Cup squad. Mohammad Wasim Jr has also regained fitness, and it won't be surprising if he pips the left-arm pacer in the race to become the leader of Pakistan's bowling attack in the tournament. 

2. Mohammad Haris

Why could Pakistan drop Mohammad Haris for Asia Cup?

Prolonged mediocrity

  • Despite Pakistan giving him ample opportunities, Mohammad Haris has yet to prove himself as a reliable T20I batter. He has managed just 391 runs at an average of 18.6, showcasing mediocrity in the shortest format. 

Pakistan Are Unsure About Haris’ Role

  • Mohammad Haris has also been shuffled throughout the order, signifying he hasn’t been able to win the trust of the team management. 
  • With Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub providing quick-fire starts more often than not, the Men in Green could consider replacing Haris with a more reliable keeper-batter for the Asia Cup 2025. 

3. Khushdil Shah

Why could Pakistan drop Khushdil Shah for Asia Cup?

Unable to prove his mettle in T20Is

  • Khushdil Shah made a well-deserved T20I comeback following an exceptional BPL 2024-25 season where he struck 298 runs at an average of 59.6 and a strike rate of 175.29. 
  • However, in 2025, the left-handed batter has entirely contrasting returns in T20Is, amassing just 75 runs at a horrible average of 12.5 and a strike rate of 83.33 this year. 
  • So, as he has failed to replicate his domestic success at international level, Khushdil could face the axe ahead of the Asia Cup. 

Bits and pieces player

  • Khushdil Shah plays as an all-rounder, but he hasn’t really contributed to Pakistan’s success with either bat or ball. 
  • In 36 T20Is, the veteran cricketer has recorded 419 runs and six wickets, averaging 17.46 and 21.33 with bat and ball, respectively. So, Khushdil’s prolonged lean patch in T20Is might result in his ouster, with Pakistan having many better players than him in the domestic circuit.