![Naseem Shah could be out of PAK Asia Cup squad [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1754647774248_naseem_ASIA_CUP.jpg?type=mq)
Naseem Shah could be out of PAK Asia Cup squad [Source: AFP]
The Asia Cup 2025 is just around the corner, and the Asian cricketing powerhouses have started preparations for the marquee event. Regarding Pakistan, the Men in Green have yet to announce their squad for the tournament.
Pakistan have had a topsy-turvy journey in the Asia Cup over the years. The tournament has witnessed domination from India and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan winning two out of 16 editions. They suffered a Super-Four exit from the tournament in 2023; so, they would be keen to bounce back and turn things around this time.
Meanwhile, there are several renowned players from Pakistan's 2023 Asia Cup squad who might not be selected for this year's event, as explained below. It's worth noting that the previous Asia Cup was played in ODI format, while this year's edition will follow the T20 format.
1. Naseem Shah
Naseem Shah in 2023 Asia Cup - 7 wickets in 4 matches, Average- 20, SR - 24.71
Why could Naseem Shah miss Asia Cup 2025?
Recent T20I performance
| Criterion | Data |
| Innings | 14 |
| Wickets | 11 |
| Average/SR | 40.27/26.72 |
| Economy | 9.04 |
(Naseem Shah in T20Is since 2023)
- As mentioned in the above table, Naseem Shah hasn't lived up to the expectations in T20Is of late. Since January 2023, the fast bowler has bagged just 11 wickets in 14 matches, recording a mediocre average, strike rate and economy. Therefore, his poor returns in T20Is might force the selectors to ignore him for the 2025 Asia Cup edition.
Pakistan's Revamped Pace Battery
- Another reason that could block Naseem Shah's Asia Cup selection is the emergence of several alternatives. While Hasan Ali recently performed admirably against Bangladesh, Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi could be chosen as the frontline pacers. Mohammad Wasim Jr is also reported to make a comeback, while Abbas Afridi's ability to excel across phases makes him a first-choice pacer. In such a scenario, there doesn't seem to be a vacancy to accommodate Naseem in the squad.
2. Fakhar Zaman
Fakhar Zaman in 2023 Asia Cup - 65 runs in 4 innings, Average - 16.25, SR - 58.03
Why could Fakhar Zaman miss Asia Cup 2025?
Injury and fitness issues
- Fakhar Zaman recently sustained a hamstring injury that ruled him out of the remainder of the West Indies series. He featured in the first two T20Is before getting sidelined from the remaining four games, including one T20I and three ODIs.
- Fakhar Zaman has struggled with multiple injury setbacks of late. He sustained a knee injury in the inaugural Champions Trophy encounter against New Zealand, ruling him out of the tournament.
- Therefore, he remains doubtful, with several reports suggesting Babar Azam as his potential replacement.
3. Usama Mir
Why could Usama Mir miss Asia Cup 2025?
Poor Returns In T20Is
| Criterion | Data |
| Innings | 5 |
| Wickets | 5 |
| Average/SR | 35/24 |
| Economy | 8.75 |
(Usama Mir's T20I record)
- Usama Mir has been a prolific performer in the Pakistan Super League, scalping 63 wickets in 51 matches at a healthy strike rate of 17.09. However, he hasn't been able to translate a similar success in T20Is.
- As evidenced by the data in the above table, Usama Mir has managed just five wickets in five games with an ordinary average and strike rate. Therefore, his T20I returns don't really make a strong case for his inclusion in Pakistan's Asia Cup squad.
Abrar, Sufiyan Muqeem Have Superior Numbers
- After axing Usama Mir, Pakistan formed a formidable spin bowling duo of Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem. While Abrar can outfox the batters with his variations, Sufiyan Muqeem's left-arm wrist spin makes him a valuable asset in T20 cricket.
 (1).jpg)
.jpg?type=mq "IPL stars who performed well in DPL match 12")
