In Pics: Top players overlooked for Asia Cup 2025

As the 2025 Asia Cup approaches with just weeks to go, anticipation is at an all-time high. The tournament, taking place from September 9 to 28 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, will be played in the T20I format. Despite the hype, some star players were omitted by the selectors and will not be be part of the squads. Here’s a look at the best players excluded from the Asia Cup 2025.

Known for his brute hitting, Yashasvi has smashed 723 runs in 23 T20Is at a blazing strike rate of 164.31. Yet, he was one of the most surprising names left out of the squad.

KL Rahul, who last played T20Is in 2022 and has 2,265 runs under his belt, still struggles to make a comeback despite his proven talent.

Another notable omission from the squad is Shreyas Iyer. Despite an impressive showing in the IPL, the dependable batter did not make the cut.

One of Pakistan’s star players, Babar Azam, has been left out of the squad despite being the most-capped player (128 matches) and the leading run-scorer (4,223 runs) in T20Is.

Mohammad Rizwan has been excluded from the squad despite his consistent performances in the shortest format. He has scored 3,414 runs in 106 T20Is for Pakistan.

Another seasoned Pakistan player, Iftikhar Ahmed, was also overlooked despite having featured in 66 T20Is for the national side.

Washington Sundar, who has featured in 54 T20Is with 48 wickets and 193 runs at a strike rate of 121.38, was left out of the Asia Cup 2025 squad despite his pedigree.

One of the most surprising omissions was all-rounder Shadab Khan, who failed to make it to Pakistan's Asia Cup 2025 squad. He has scored 792 runs and taken 112 wickets in 112 T20Is so far.

Former world No. 1 T20I bowler Ravi Bishnoi was left out of the squad despite his economical bowling and knack for taking crucial wickets.

Mohammed Shami, last seen in a T20I series against England, has been rested for the Asia Cup and will not feature in the tournament.