Subhayan Chakraborty
Pakistan’s 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup marks a significant departure. Big names are excluded, like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Salman Ali Agha will lead the team. The decision shows Pakistan want to move in a new direction under white-ball head coach Mike Hesson.
Hesson’s emphasis on high strike rates in T20 cricket has clearly shaped this squad, sidelining the former captains due to ongoing concerns about their slower scoring rates at the top of the order. Neither Babar nor Rizwan has featured in a T20I this year, and their absence signals Pakistan’s intent to embrace a more aggressive batting approach.
“I think it’s really harsh to challenge a player on their form in three games,” head coach Hesson said at a press conference. “Babar played nicely in the first ODI but missed out on the next two. There’s no doubt Babar’s been asked to improve in some areas around taking on spin and in terms of his strike rate. Those are things he’s working really hard on.”
The top-order is packed with dynamic talent. Sahibzada Farhan, with three half-centuries in six matches at a strike rate of 144.94, has been in scintillating form. Saim Ayub, despite inconsistent recent outings, brings an undeniable X-factor with his batting flair. Fakhar Zaman, a proven match-winner, adds further firepower, while Mohammad Haris, the wicketkeeper-batter, boasts an impressive strike rate of 154.97. This quartet gives Pakistan a formidable and explosive opening combination, aligning perfectly with Hesson’s high-tempo philosophy.
“This team has the ability to beat India in the Asia Cup. Whether you like it or not, the match between India and Pakistan is the biggest in world cricket. Every player knows this,” Pakistan chief selector Aaqib Javed said in the press conference after announcing the squad. “Our squad can beat any team. Everyone is ready. Everyone knows the situation surrounding the two countries. But we don’t need to put extra pressure on them.”
However, the middle-order raises concerns. Captain Agha has been steady, averaging 36.67 in 14 T20Is this year, but his strike rate of 124.53 is modest for the format. The inclusion of Hussain Talat, who has played just one T20I this year, and Khushdil Shah, with an average below 15 and a strike rate under 100, is shocking. The standout in the middle-order is Hasan Nawaz, a revelation since his debut against New Zealand. Initially an opener, Nawaz has transitioned to the middle-order, smashing 27 sixes in 14 innings and offering much-needed aggression in a potentially vulnerable area of the line-up.
In the all-rounder department, Faheem Ashraf stands out as the sole specialist seam-bowling option. His batting strike rate nears 150, and his bowling has been tidy, claiming six wickets in nine games at an economy rate of 8.24. Mohammad Nawaz, fresh off a Player of the Series award in Pakistan’s recent series versus the West Indies, adds versatility but has a history of underperforming in major tournaments, which could be a concern.
Pakistan’s bowling attack is a clear strength. The pace trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali brings experience and potency, supported by Mohammad Wasim Jr and the promising left-arm pacer Salman Mirza. This group offers both depth and variety. The spin department is exciting but needs to deliver, with Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem leading the charge, complemented by the all-round spin options of Nawaz, Salman, and Khushdil.
This youthful Pakistan squad is a blend of explosive top-order batting and a balanced bowling unit, but the middle-order remains a potential Achilles’ heel. Pakistan’s success in the UAE will likely depend on moments of individual brilliance rather than consistent team performances. The Asia Cup will be a litmus test for this bold new approach, and all eyes will be on Salman Ali Agha’s men to deliver.
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