Mohammad Rizwan Omitted from Asia Cup Squad
Mohammad Rizwan has been omitted from Pakistan's squad for the Asia Cup 2025. The 17-member group will be led by Salman Agha.
Pakistan have made significant changes to their squad, with Rizwan and Babar Azam not included.
This decision comes after Rizwan's recent performances in the Pakistan Super League, where he scored 367 runs at a strike rate of 139.54 for Multan Sultans.
The Asia Cup is scheduled to start on September 9, with Pakistan facing India in their opening game on September 10 at the Dubai International Stadium.
The selectors have retained all 15 players who featured in the 2-1 series win in the West Indies. Fakhar Zaman, who missed the latter stages of that tour with a hamstring injury, has been passed fit.
The squad sees two additions: left-arm seamer Salman Mirza and allrounder Mohammad Wasim. Head coach Mike Hesson said Babar has been asked to improve in some areas, including taking on spin and his strike rate.
Rizwan last played a T20I in December 2024. His omission from the squad points to a shift in approach ahead of next year's T20 World Cup.
Pakistan's squad for the UAE tri-series and Asia Cup includes **Salman Agha (c)**, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.
The team will be led by Salman Agha, who was appointed captain earlier this year.
Rizwan's performance in the Pakistan Super League was notable, with a century for Multan Sultans.
The Asia Cup squad omission is a significant decision, with Rizwan and Babar Azam not included.
The team's preparation for the T20 World Cup will be crucial, with the Asia Cup providing valuable experience.
Pakistan's opening game against India will be a key match, with the team looking to make a strong start.
The squad's composition is a significant factor, with the selectors choosing to retain players who performed well in the West Indies series.
Rizwan's future in the team will depend on his performance in upcoming matches, including the possibility of playing in the BBL.
The Asia Cup will provide a platform for players to showcase their skills, with the T20 World Cup looming large.
The team's strategy and approach will be crucial, with the selectors and coach looking to make the right decisions.
The omission of Rizwan and Babar Azam is a significant decision, with the team looking to move forward with a new approach.