Green Shirts Squad Announcement Imminent

LAHORE: Sources suggest that the announcement of Pakistan’s squad for the forthcoming T20I tri-series in the UAE and the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 is anticipated within the next two to three days. The squad is expected to include 18 players, which is three more than the standard selection.

The national selection committee has reportedly initiated preliminary discussions regarding the team composition. They are set to confer with T20I captain Salman Ali Agha and head coach Mike Hesson, who recently returned following the series against the West Indies.

Following these consultations, the finalized shortlist will be submitted to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi for endorsement. A formal announcement is projected in the coming days.

Insiders indicate that emerging pacers Salman Mirza and Ahmed Daniyal are potential call-ups for the upcoming tournaments.

Fakhar Zaman is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the NCA for a hamstring injury sustained during the T20I series against the West Indies. He is expected to recover in time for the upcoming assignments after undergoing necessary fitness evaluations.

Vice-captain Shadab Khan is unlikely to participate in the tri-nation series and Asia Cup as he continues his rehabilitation post-surgery.

The tri-nation series, featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE, is scheduled to be held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium from August 29 to September 7. Pakistan will face Afghanistan in their opening match on August 29.

The Asia Cup 2025 commences on August 9 with a match between Afghanistan and Hong Kong and concludes on September 28. Pakistan will begin their campaign against Oman on September 12, followed by a highly anticipated match against India on September 14.