Pakistan’s build-up to the Asia Cup 2025 is underway in Dubai, where the squad assembled at the ICC Academy for its first training session on Wednesday evening. The team bus pulled in at 7.25 pm, and within minutes, players were divided into groups to begin a sharp, high-intensity workout.
According to GulfNews, under the lights, one batch worked on fielding and catching drills, while senior pros hit the nets under the watch of Australian bowling coach Ashley Noffke. Haris Rauf tested the batters with his raw pace and bounce, while Shaheen Shah Afridi was spot-on with his yorkers. The focus of the session showed a squad keen to turn the tide after a rough few months in international cricket.
Pakistan’s year has been filled with chaos, as the team has only managed two wins in 11 ODIs and lost a T20I series to 10th-ranked Bangladesh. Also, an under-strength West Indies unit, also ranked 10th in ODIs, managed to beat a full-strength Pakistan unit that involved Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah.
No Babar Azam, Rizwan
What stood out, however, was the absence of Pakistan’s two biggest names, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. The duo, who have been central to Pakistan’s batting in recent years, are not part of the T20 squad preparing for the tri-series and Asia Cup. Instead, Salman Agha has been entrusted with the captaincy as the selectors look to experiment and test bench strength.
The squad also sees the return of Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Wasim and Salman Mirza after missing the West Indies series. For Pakistan, the tri-nation T20I series against Afghanistan and UAE beginning August 29 in Sharjah will be of importance as well. It is a chance to identify fresh options in the lead-up to the Asia Cup.
The Asia Cup starts on September 9, with Pakistan opening their campaign against Oman on September 12 in Dubai. But the real spotlight is on September 14, when Pakistan face India in a mega fixture.
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