Pakistan T20 Squad Lands in Dubai for Asia Cup Preparations
The Pakistan T20 squad arrived in Dubai on Wednesday ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 and the Tri-Nation T20 Series featuring Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates. According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), both tournaments will be staged in the UAE, with the tri-series beginning on August 29 and the Asia Cup kicking off on September 9.
The PCB confirmed in an official statement on X (formerly Twitter) that the team reached Dubai in four groups to ensure smooth travel arrangements for players and support staff. A pre-series training camp will run from August 21–27, followed by intensive training sessions at the ICC Cricket Academy starting tomorrow.
Training Schedule and Preparation Plans
The ICC Cricket Academy has been designated as the primary training base for the national side. Additionally, the team will play at least one T20 practice match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, giving players valuable match practice in UAE conditions.
State broadcaster PTV reported that this setup was specifically designed to provide world-class facilities and ideal conditions for the players as they prepare for two back-to-back international competitions. Training sessions will focus on batting consistency, bowling strategies for spin-friendly pitches, and fitness drills to handle the back-to-back fixtures.
Pakistan T20 Training Schedule in Dubai
| Date | Activity | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 21–27 | Training Camp | ICC Cricket Academy |
| Aug 28 | T20 Practice Match | Dubai International Stadium |
| Aug 29 | Tri-Nation Series Begins | Various Venues, UAE |
| Sept 9 | Asia Cup 2025 Starts | UAE |
Squad Changes: Babar Azam and Rizwan Omitted
One of the most surprising developments is the exclusion of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the T20 squad. Both players, widely regarded as Pakistan’s most consistent performers in the shorter format, have not featured since December.
Head coach Mike Hesson explained that the decision was based on giving opportunities to other in-form players. Since his appointment in May, Pakistan have played three T20 series — winning 3-0 at home, losing 2-1 away to Bangladesh, and defeating the West Indies 2-1 in the United States.
According to analysts, the decision reflects PCB’s focus on rebuilding the side with new talent, particularly in middle-order stability and death bowling options. While Babar and Rizwan remain pivotal to Pakistan’s cricketing plans, selectors believe this is the right time to experiment before the ICC World Cup cycle intensifies.
Salman Agha to Lead the Team
The PCB confirmed that all-rounder Salman Agha will captain the national side during the Asia Cup and Tri-Nation Series. His appointment marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s leadership strategy and a chance to groom a new leader in limited-overs cricket.
The squad also sees the return of fast bowlers Mohammad Wasim and Salman Mirza, strengthening Pakistan’s pace attack ahead of the crucial tournaments. With senior pacers like Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf already in the lineup, the return of Wasim and Mirza adds depth to the bowling department.
Official Pakistan T20 Squad for Dubai
- Salman Agha (Captain)
- Saim Ayub
- Fakhar Zaman
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Hasan Nawaz
- Salman Mirza
- Mohammad Haris
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Ali
- Hussain Talat
- Sufiyan Muqeem
- Abrar Ahmed
- Khushdil Shah
- Faheem Ashraf
- Mohammad Wasim
Pakistan’s Recent T20 Performance
Under Mike Hesson, Pakistan’s performance in recent T20 series has shown mixed results. While the team dominated on home soil with a clean sweep victory, they struggled away against Bangladesh but bounced back against the West Indies. The inconsistency highlights Pakistan’s ongoing challenge in maintaining balance across batting and bowling units.
Cricket experts suggest that the UAE conditions may favor Pakistan’s traditional strengths in pace bowling, but the team must adapt quickly to pitches that often support spinners in the middle overs. Salman Agha’s leadership will be tested, especially in high-pressure situations.
Importance of the Asia Cup and Tri-Series
The Asia Cup 2025 carries special significance as it acts as a testing ground before the ICC T20 World Cup next year. Pakistan’s performance in Dubai will be closely watched by selectors, fans, and critics alike. The tri-series against Afghanistan and UAE is expected to be competitive, with Afghanistan boasting a formidable spin attack and UAE eager to prove itself against higher-ranked sides.
Winning both tournaments could give Pakistan a much-needed morale boost, while also helping the squad identify their strongest playing XI ahead of global competitions.
Key Players to Watch
- Shaheen Afridi: Pakistan’s pace spearhead, known for early breakthroughs.
- Fakhar Zaman: An aggressive opener capable of setting the tone.
- Haris Rauf: Deadly in the death overs with his pace variations.
- Saim Ayub: A young talent who could anchor the innings at the top.
With a blend of experienced campaigners and promising newcomers, Pakistan’s T20 squad in Dubai will aim to strike the right balance.
Internal and External Links
- Internal Link Suggestion: Pakistan’s recent T20 series results
- External Link Suggestion: Official ICC Cricket Schedule
Conclusion
The Pakistan T20 squad’s arrival in Dubai marks the beginning of a crucial preparation phase ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 and the Tri-Nation T20 Series. With Salman Agha leading the team and new pace options added to the lineup, the squad is set for an intense campaign in the UAE. Success in these tournaments could shape Pakistan’s T20 roadmap for the upcoming World Cup.
Related: Writozy
