Dubai, August 20, 2025: Pakistan’s national T20 squad landed in Dubai on Wednesday to begin preparations for the upcoming Tri-Nation Series and the Asia Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced.
The tri-series, featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates, will start on August 29, followed by the Asia Cup from September 9, both to be staged in the UAE.
According to the PCB, the squad travelled in four groups “to ensure a smooth and organised arrival of players and support staff.” A pre-series training camp will run from August 21 to 27, with the ICC Cricket Academy designated as the team’s primary training facility. The squad will also play a T20 practice match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium as part of preparations.
“This setup is designed to provide players with the ideal environment and facilities to prepare thoroughly ahead of the two major tournaments,” the PCB said.
The squad announcement earlier this week drew attention for the absence of former captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, both prolific performers in T20Is but sidelined since December. Head coach Mike Hesson explained that the duo were left out as selectors opted to give opportunities to other in-form players.
Since Hesson’s appointment in May, Pakistan have played three T20 series — sweeping one at home 3-0, losing 2-1 in Bangladesh, and beating the West Indies 2-1 in the United States.
All-rounder Salman Agha will lead the team, with fast bowlers Mohammad Wasim and Salman Mirza making their return.
Pakistan squad: 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.
