Asia Cup 2025: 5 Pakistan players to watch out for in the tournament

Pakistan have announced a 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, with Salman Ali Agha named as captain. However, senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have missed out, as head coach Mike Hesson and chief selector Aqib Javed advised them to work on their game and improve their strike rate. 

Without them, it will certainly be a challenge, but with some exciting young talents along with experienced names in the mix, Pakistan can still aim for the title. Especially in Dubai conditions, their players will find it relatively easy to get accustomed quickly.  

Here are the 5 Pakistan players to watch out for in the Asia Cup 2025

1. Fakhar Zaman

This explosive southpaw batter is back in the squad, giving a massive boost to the Men in Green. Zaman had suffered a hamstring injury in the Caribbean, but now he has fully recovered and will be eager to perform in the upcoming Asia Cup. With the experience of 97 T20Is, where he has scored 1,949 runs at a strike rate of 131.77, he will be a key player to watch.

2. Salman Ali Agha

The captain, Salman Ali Agha, will be under pressure. In the absence of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, he carries added responsibility. His all-round contribution will be key. 

In Dubai conditions, as an off-spinner, he can play a vital role with the ball, especially in the middle overs. So far, in 20 T20Is, Agha has scored 380 runs at a strike rate of 115.85 and also has four wickets to his name.   

3. Shaheen Shah Afridi

This star pacer from Pakistan will be a key player to watch out for. His role with the new ball and later in the death overs will be vital. In 81 T20Is so far, Afridi has picked up 104 wickets at an economy of 7.88. He is also coming in with confidence after the recent series in the West Indies, where he took two wickets in two T20Is and four wickets in two ODIs.

4. Sufyan Moqim

This young left-arm wrist spinner could be the X-factor for Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup. The 25-year-old has played 13 T20Is so far, picking up 21 wickets. In the recent three T20Is against the West Indies, he took three wickets. 

Opposition batters might struggle to pick him, but it will also depend on captain Salman Agha and how he utilises him in different phases of the game, according to the situation. 

5. Saim Ayub

All eyes will be on Pakistan’s explosive opener Saim Ayub, who can win games singlehandedly. In 36 T20Is so far, Ayub has scored 705 runs at a strike rate of 137.15. Even in the recent three-match T20I series against the West Indies, he scored two fifties. 

In the shortest format of the game, whether it is setting up a big total while batting first or chasing one in the second innings, the opener’s role is always vital. Pakistan will heavily rely on batters like Ayub and Fakhar Zaman to deliver at the top.

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