KARACHI:
Pakistan’s not too long ago introduced squad has as soon as once more sparked debates amongst followers and specialists alike.
With a mixture of youthful expertise and daring exclusions, the choice raises an essential query: has the PCB lastly struck the fitting stability, or is that this one other gamble on the large stage?
The PCB confirmed Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming tri-series in opposition to UAE and Afghanistan, adopted by the Asia Cup 2025. On paper, the aspect seems to be recent, energetic, and hungry to show itself. But, for a match of this magnitude—the place Pakistan has not lifted the trophy since 2012—the absence of expertise looms giant.
Since Pakistan’s final Asia Cup win, Sri Lanka have claimed titles in 2014 and 2022, whereas India dominated in 2016, 2018, and 2023. Pakistan got here shut in 2022, below Babar Azam’s management, however misplaced the ultimate from a successful place.
A 12 months later, below his management, the crew crashed out in fourth place. That painful historical past makes this squad announcement all of the extra vital.
No two omissions have created extra noise than these of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Each had been as soon as seen because the spine of Pakistan’s T20I aspect, however the stats reveal why the selectors selected a special path.
Babar final performed a T20I in 2024, and since that 12 months’s T20 World Cup, he has gone 10 matches — together with the mega occasion — with out scoring a single fifty. His strike price on this interval is 118.59 at a median of 26.22.
Rizwan’s case is even worse. In his final 8 T20Is, he managed simply 211 runs at a strike price of 94.19. His knocks of 16 off 26 in opposition to Australia, 74 off 62 in opposition to South Africa, and 31 off 44 in opposition to India within the T20 World Cup had been game-changing—however for the flawed causes.
These numbers present why the selectors felt justified in shifting on. For too lengthy, Pakistan’s prime order has been accused of enjoying “anchor cricket” in a format that calls for fearless hitting.
Of their place, Sahibzada Farhan and Mohammad Haris convey a refreshing intent. Farhan, with three Participant of the Match awards in his final six T20Is, has proven he can ship below strain. Haris, too, has the aggressive mindset Pakistan’s batting has been crying out for.
The bowling division seems to be balanced. Shaheen Shah Afridi leads the assault with kind and confidence, having topped the wicket charts within the PSL 10. In distinction, Naseem Shah’s exclusion appears harsh to some followers, however the numbers are telling—an financial system price of 8.01 and a median of 34.68 in T20Is doesn’t encourage confidence. His ODI performances could also be strong, however in T20 cricket, he stays pricey.
The spin division may show decisive, particularly in UAE situations. Mohammad Nawaz’s all-round utility, together with Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed, affords flexibility.
Pakistan’s center order lastly exhibits indicators of stability. Mohammad Haris, Hasan Nawaz, and Khushdil Shah are able to ending video games with energy. But, the important thing lies with Salman Ali Agha, the newly appointed skipper. His capacity to anchor chases, rotate strike, and deal with spin might be very important in UAE situations. This management take a look at may outline not simply Pakistan’s Asia Cup but in addition his captaincy profession.
Dropping massive names like Babar and Rizwan is rarely straightforward. For years, they had been thought of “untouchables” in Pakistan cricket. However cricket is a sport of evolution, and their incapacity to adapt to the trendy T20 tempo made this transfer inevitable.
Pakistan’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025 carries the vitality of youth, the sharpness of latest expertise, and a transparent intent to play fearless cricket. However the actual query stays: will this new look aspect rise to the event, or will inexperience value Pakistan one other shot at silverware?
One factor is definite—all eyes might be on this squad. And in the event that they click on, the Asia Cup drought since 2012 could lastly come to an finish.
