In a major shake-up ahead of the Asia Cup, Pakistan selectors have left out star batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the 17-member squad announced on Sunday for the upcoming tri-series in the UAE and the continental tournament that follows.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed the squad on its official website, which includes senior pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Wasim and left-arm quick Salman Mirza.
The team will be led by Salman Ali Agha.
Before the Asia Cup, the side will feature in a T20 tri-series against Afghanistan and hosts UAE in Sharjah from August 29 to September 7.
The Asia Cup, also in T20 format, is scheduled from September 9 to 28 in the UAE.
Pakistan have been drawn in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, with the UAE and Oman completing the group in the eight-team competition.
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The absence of Babar and Rizwan, two of Pakistan’s most experienced T20 performers, signals a shift in strategy ahead of the high-stakes tournament.
Both players have been mainstays in the lineup for years, and their omission is expected to spark debate among fans and pundits alike.
Pakistan squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.
