Pakistan likely to announce squad for tri-series, Asia Cup 2025 next week

Fakhar Zaman’s participation doubtful due to injury; Babar Azam expected to return

PHOTO: AP

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to announce the national squad for the upcoming T20I tri-nation series and the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 in the second week of August, sources revealed on Tuesday.

No major changes are expected in the squad, as the selectors are likely to stick with the core group of players who recently featured in the series against Bangladesh and the West Indies.

However, left-handed opener Fakhar Zaman is doubtful for the tri-series and Asia Cup due to a hamstring injury he sustained during the T20I series against the West Indies. He has already been ruled out of both the T20I and ODI matches against the Caribbean side.

Following the injury, the PCB instructed Fakhar to return to Lahore from Florida and report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA), where he has begun rehabilitation. His availability for upcoming tournaments depends on how quickly he recovers.

In Fakhar’s absence, former captain Babar Azam is likely to be included in the T20I squad. His possible return would boost Pakistan’s batting lineup ahead of the important tournament.

Earlier this week, the PCB announced the schedule for the T20I tri-series featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The series will be held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE from August 29 to September 7. Pakistan will open the tournament against Afghanistan on August 29 at 7:00 PM local time.

Each team will play the others twice in the group stage, and the top two teams will meet in the final on September 7.

The tri-series will serve as preparation for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, which will also take place in the UAE from September 9 to 28. Eight teams have been divided into two groups. Pakistan, India, UAE, and Oman are in Group A, while Group B features Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong.

Pakistan will begin their Asia Cup campaign against Oman on September 12, followed by the highly anticipated clash against India on September 14. Their final group-stage match will be against the UAE on September 17.

Tri-Series schedule: