Here’s when Pakistan will likely announce Asia Cup squad.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly getting closer to finalising the squad for the upcoming ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 and the tri-nation series.
According to sources in local media, the PCB is expected to announce the national squad for the upcoming tournaments in the second week of August.
Minimal changes in squad
The squad is likely to feature minimal changes, with selectors set to retain the core group of players that recently represented Pakistan in the white-ball series against Bangladesh and the West Indies.
The only potential concern surrounds the availability of Fakhar Zaman, who suffered a hamstring injury during the West Indies T20I leg.
He was ruled out of the remainder of that tour, including the ODIs, and subsequently returned to Lahore for rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy.
Whether the left-handed opener will be fit in time for the upcoming assignments depends on the pace of his recovery, which is being closely monitored by the PCB’s medical team.
This also means that any hope of Shadab Khan’s inclusion in the Pakistan squad is all but over.
Pakistan’s current squad have experienced mixed fortunes in recent weeks. After dropping the series to Bangladesh, Salman Ali Agha’s team bounced back with a series win over the West Indies, and Mike Hesson will be hoping they can continue their momentum as they chase their first Asia Cup trophy in over a decade.
The Pakistan squad will test its mettle before the 2025 Asia Cup against Afghanistan and the UAE in a tri-series in Sharjah. Pakistan has been placed in Pool A of the Asia Cup with India, Oman, and the UAE as company.
All eyes will also be on the PCB’s squad announcement in the coming days and whether Fakhar Zaman can recover in time to make the cut or what surprises await.
