Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan (Photo by Sameer Ali/Getty Images)

Pakistan have named a 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup T20 tournament in the UAE and the preceding tri-series in Sharjah, with head coach Mike Hesson expressing confidence in a “highly competitive” group that blends youth with experience.Significantly, the selectors have opted to leave out two stalwarts, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, both of whom last featured in T20Is in December 2024. While the duo’s absence raised eyebrows, Hesson underlined that the decision was part of a larger strategy to broaden the player pool and give fresh talent exposure on the international stage.“We’ve put together what we believe is a highly competitive squad following the recent T20I series. Excited to see some fresh faces stepping up alongside our experienced senior players. A great blend of energy & experience for the Tri-Nation series & Asia Cup,” wrote Hesson on X.

Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“Our squad features five front line seamers to adapt according to UAE conditions, along with two attacking mystery spinners. With depth in batting, much improved fielding side along with the bowlers mentioned above we overall have an excellent balanced squad.” Pakistan’s campaign begins with a tri-nation series against Afghanistan and UAE from August 29 to September 7, before the high-profile Asia Cup, which kicks off on September 9. The team will be led by Salman Ali Agha, while seasoned pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi headlines the bowling unit, joined by Mohammad Wasim and Salman Mirza.Chief selector Aaqib Javed emphasised the squad’s ability to compete at the highest level, particularly in the marquee clash against India. “This team has the ability to beat India. Whether you like it or not, India vs Pakistan is the biggest game in world cricket. Every player knows this,” Javed remarked.Hesson meanwhile stressed that Babar Azam remains in the long-term plans, but wants him to sharpen his approach against spin and improve his strike rate in T20 cricket.Pakistan are grouped with India, UAE and Oman in Group A of the Asia Cup, which concludes on September 28.