Unfortunate Pakistan Players Who Might Not Play A Single Match In Asia Cup 2025

Debashis Sarangi

Pakistan unveiled Asia Cup squad on August 17 [Source: AFP]Pakistan unveiled Asia Cup squad on August 17 [Source: AFP]

The Pakistan Cricket Board, on Sunday, announced a robust 17-member men's squad for the Asia Cup 2025. While Agha Salman was named the captain, experienced campaigners like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were dropped for the mega event. 

The likes of Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf are expected to form Pakistan's core group, several players might not get a single match in the tournament, as mentioned below. 

Faheem Ashraf

Why Faheem Ashraf might not get a single game in Asia Cup?

  • Direct competition with in-form Mohammad Nawaz: Faheem Ashraf has Mohammad Nawaz as his direct competitor in T20Is, as both these cricketers play as bowling all-rounders. However, Nawaz comprehensively outplayed Faheem in the recently concluded T20I series against West Indies, scalping seven wickets in three matches. This is be the reason why Nawaz might get the first priority for the all-rounder's role in the Asia Cup. 
  • UAE's spin-friendly pitches: The pitches in the United Arab Emirates generally assist the spin bowlers. With Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Wasim Jr likely to lead the pace attack, Nawaz is expected to spearhead the spin-bowling department alongside either Abrar Ahmed or Sufyan Muqeem. 

Hussain Talat

Why Hussain Talat might not get a single game in Asia Cup?

  • Hasan Nawaz's versatility: Young batter Hasan Nawaz entered the Pakistan T20I setup as a top-order batter. However, the Men in Green demoted him lower down the order, with Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan opening the batting for them in T20Is. Interestingly, Nawaz showcased versatility by performing at the lower middle-order, playing crucial knocks as a finisher. Therefore, given that Fakhar, Agha Salman and Hasan Nawaz will follow Saim and Farhan, Hussain Talat might not find a place in Pakistan's playing XI. 
  • Khushdil Shah's all-round value: While Mohammad Nawaz is likely to play at number seven, Khushdil Shah could be preferred over Hussain Talat for his all-round prowess. Although he doesn't have great numbers, Pakistan have prioritised including Khushdil in their T20I setup and it seems the trend will continue in the Asia Cup. 

Salman Mirza

Why Salman Mirza might not get a single game in Asia Cup?

  • Shaheen, Rauf, Wasim to spearhead the attack: Pakistan have a formidable pace attack comprising Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim Jr. The experienced Hasan Ali is also in the team and will likely get the preference over Salman Mirza if someone gets sidelined due to form or fitness. In such a scenario, the chances of Mirza getting a game in the Asia Cup, unless Shaheen Afridi is dropped, seem bleak.