‘Excited to see some fresh faces’: Pakistan head coach after announcing Asia Cup squad minus Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan – Times of India

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

Pakistan have named a 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup T20 match within the UAE and the previous tri-collection in Sharjah, with head coach Mike Hesson expressing confidence in a “highly competitive” group that blends youth with expertise.Significantly, the selectors have opted to pass over two stalwarts, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, each of whom final featured in T20Is in December 2024. While the duo’s absence raised eyebrows, Hesson underlined that the choice was half of a bigger technique to broaden the participant pool and provides fresh expertise publicity on the worldwide 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 marketing campaign begins with a tri-nation collection in opposition to Afghanistan and UAE from August 29 to September 7, earlier than the excessive-profile Asia Cup, which kicks off on September 9. The group can be led by Salman Ali Agha, whereas seasoned pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi headlines the bowling unit, joined by Mohammad Wasim and Salman Mirza.Chief selector Aaqib Javed emphasised the squad’s capacity to compete on the highest stage, notably within the marquee conflict in opposition to 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 in the meantime careworn that Babar Azam stays within the lengthy-time period plans, however needs him to sharpen his strategy in opposition to spin and enhance his strike charge in T20 cricket.Pakistan are grouped with India, UAE and Oman in Group A of the Asia Cup, which concludes on September 28.