PCB para anunciar o Esquadrão do Paquistão para a Ásia Cup 2025 em breve; Babar Azam para voltar

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is preparing to announce its squad for the upcoming T20I tri‑nation series and the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 in the second week of August. Former captain Babar Azam is being strongly considered for a return to the T20I setup, especially amid uncertainty over opener Fakhar Zaman’s fitness.

Babar’s likely return and Fakhar’s injury setback

Fakhar Zaman’s hamstring injury, sustained during the recent T20I series against West Indies, has ruled him out of both white-ball legs against the Caribbean side. The PCB has directed him to report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore for rehabilitation, and his participation in the Asia Cup remains doubtful.

In light of Fakhar’s absence, Babar has emerged as a prime candidate to bolster Pakistan’s T20I batting order. According to CricketPakistan, his inclusion will hinge on his performances in the ongoing ODI series against the West Indies. The right-hander has remained part of the ODI setup despite his omission from recent T20I squads. Coach Mike Hesson still values Babar’s role in the team.

Babar’s recent meeting with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, alongside ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan and pacer Naseem Shah during the West Indies T20Is, means he is pretty much involved in scheme of things ahead of the Asia Cup. His return would not only add stability at the top but also provide a morale boost for Pakistan ahead of high-pressure matches, including their showdown against India.

The tri-series involving Pakistan, Afghanistan and UAE will be staged at Sharjah Cricket Stadium from August 29 to September 7, with Pakistan facing Afghanistan in the opener. Each team plays twice in the league phase before the final on September 7.

The ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 follows soon after, running from September 9 to 28 in the UAE. Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside India, UAE and Oman.

ACC Asia Cup Men’s Schedule 2025

• Sep 9: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong
• Sep 10: India vs UAE
• Sep 11: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong
• Sep 12: Pakistan vs Oman
• Sep 13: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
• Sep 14: India vs Pakistan
• Sep 15: UAE vs Oman, Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong
• Sep 16: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan
• Sep 17: Pakistan vs UAE
• Sep 18: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
• Sep 19: India vs Oman
• Sep 20: B1 vs B2
• Sep 21: A1 vs A2
• Sep 23: A2 vs B1
• Sep 24: A1 vs B2
• Sep 25: A2 vs B2
• Sep 26: A1 vs B1
• Sep 28: Final (Top 2 teams from Super Four)