Islamabad, August 17 – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup and a preparatory tri-series in the UAE, leaving out senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.

The decision has surprised many, as both Babar and Rizwan have been consistent performers in recent years. Head coach Mike Hesson explained that Babar was asked to work on certain areas of his T20 game, including strike rotation and handling spin, suggesting his exclusion was aimed at encouraging improvement rather than being a permanent drop. Rizwan’s absence is also seen as part of a move to test new batting combinations.

All-rounder Salman Agha has been given leadership responsibilities, while the batting line-up features aggressive options such as Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, and Sahibzada Farhan. In the bowling department, experienced pacers Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali remain central figures, supported by young talent.

The tri-series, involving Afghanistan and the UAE, will be played in Sharjah from August 29 to September 7. Pakistan will then open its Asia Cup campaign against Oman on September 12 in Dubai, followed by a much-anticipated clash with India on September 14.

The reshaped squad reflects Pakistan’s attempt to strike a balance between experience and youthful energy, with selectors hinting at a more aggressive approach in the T20 format. The exclusion of two of Pakistan’s biggest names, however, continues to spark debate among fans and cricket analysts.