Pakistan’s cricket fans are buzzing with excitement as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled the squads for the upcoming three-match ODI series and three-match T20I series against the West Indies in August 2025. With Mohammad Rizwan captaining the ODI side and Salman Ali Agha leading the T20I team, Pakistan is set to showcase a blend of experience and emerging talent. The tour, featuring matches in the USA and Trinidad & Tobago, promises thrilling cricket action as Pakistan aims to dominate the Caribbean side.
Squad Announcements: A Mix of Veterans and New Faces
The Men’s National Selection Committee named a 16-member ODI squad and a 15-member T20I squad on July 25, 2025, for the West Indies tour. The ODI team, led by wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, includes stalwarts like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah, alongside uncapped right-handed batter Hasan Nawaz. The T20I squad, captained by all-rounder Salman Ali Agha, sees the return of fast bowlers Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, adding firepower to the lineup.
Hasan Nawaz, the only uncapped player in the ODI squad, is a rising star to watch, bringing fresh energy to a team packed with proven performers like Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, and Abdullah Shafique. The T20I squad features dynamic players such as Mohammad Haris and Sahibzada Farhan (both wicketkeepers), alongside all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Hussain Talat, ensuring depth and versatility.
ODI Squad (16 Members):
Mohammad Rizwan (captain)
Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain)
Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim
T20I Squad (15 Members):
Salman Ali Agha (captain)
Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wicket-keeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim
Series Schedule: A Transatlantic Cricket Showdown
Pakistan’s tour kicks off with the T20I series in the USA at the Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, followed by the ODI series at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad & Tobago. The team will arrive in the USA on July 27, 2025, after concluding a three-match T20I series in Bangladesh.
T20I Series Schedule:
- July 31, 2025: 1st T20I, Lauderhill, USA
- August 2, 2025: 2nd T20I, Lauderhill, USA
- August 3, 2025: 3rd T20I, Lauderhill, USA
ODI Series Schedule:
- August 8, 2025: 1st ODI, Trinidad & Tobago
- August 10, 2025: 2nd ODI, Trinidad & Tobago
- August 12, 2025: 3rd ODI, Trinidad & Tobago
The packed schedule, spanning both T20I and ODI formats, sets the stage for high-octane clashes, with Pakistan looking to build momentum ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Rizwan and Agha Take Charge
Mohammad Rizwan, known for his composure and tactical acumen, will lead the ODI side, with Salman Ali Agha as his deputy. Rizwan’s experience as a wicketkeeper-batter and his ability to anchor innings make him a natural choice to guide the team in the 50-over format. Agha, stepping up as T20I captain, brings all-round flair and leadership experience, having impressed in domestic and international cricket.
The team management, led by head coach Mike Hesson and supported by specialists like Ashley Noffke (bowling coach) and Hanif Malik (batting coach), is focused on a balanced approach. With a robust support staff including Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist) and Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Pakistan is well-equipped to handle the physical and strategic demands of the tour.
Key Players to Watch
Babar Azam (ODI): The former captain and world-class batter will be pivotal in the ODI series, aiming to anchor Pakistan’s batting with his trademark consistency.
Shaheen Shah Afridi (T20I & ODI): The fiery left-arm pacer returns to both squads, ready to unleash his pace and swing against the West Indies’ aggressive batters.
Hasan Nawaz (T20I & ODI): The uncapped batter is a wildcard, with his inclusion signaling Pakistan’s intent to blood young talent.
Haris Rauf (T20I): Back in the T20I squad, Rauf’s express pace and death-bowling skills could prove decisive in Lauderhill’s high-scoring conditions.
Saim Ayub (T20I & ODI): The young opener’s attacking style makes him a key player in both formats, especially in the power-packed T20I lineup.
Why This Series Matters
The West Indies tour is a critical opportunity for Pakistan to fine-tune their strategies in both white-ball formats. The T20I series will test the team’s adaptability in the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of Lauderhill, known for its batting-friendly pitches. The ODI series, meanwhile, offers a chance to solidify Pakistan’s 50-over game plan, with Rizwan and Babar leading a talented batting unit backed by a potent pace attack.
For fans, the series promises exciting matchups, particularly against a West Indies side known for its flair and power-hitting. Social media platforms like X are abuzz with anticipation, with fans predicting fiery clashes between Pakistan’s pace trio (Shaheen, Haris, Naseem) and West Indies’ big-hitters like Nicholas Pooran and Andre Russell.
Challenges and Opportunities
Pakistan faces the challenge of adapting to different conditions across two continents, from Bangladesh to the USA and Trinidad & Tobago. The quick turnaround between the T20I and ODI series will test the team’s fitness and mental resilience. However, the inclusion of versatile all-rounders like Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz, alongside spin options like Abrar Ahmed and Sufyan Moqim, ensures flexibility in squad composition.
The series also marks an opportunity to integrate young talents like Hasan Nawaz into the international setup, signaling Pakistan’s long-term vision for the 2026 T20 World Cup and beyond. A successful tour could boost Pakistan’s confidence and solidify their standing as a white-ball powerhouse.
