In a surprising move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has left out star batter Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan from the squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, signaling a major shift in the team’s T20 strategy. The squad will be led by Salman Ali Agha and will also feature several young players who impressed in recent domestic and league competitions.
Coach Explains Selection Decision
Head coach Mike Hesson explained that Babar’s omission was based on performance-related concerns, particularly his strike rate and ability to handle spin bowling in the shortest format. “Babar is a talented player, but he needs to raise his strike rate and improve against spin to fit into the team’s current T20 approach,” Hesson said, adding that the door remains open for a comeback if performances improve in upcoming leagues.
Strong Reaction from Cricket Fraternity
The decision has sparked mixed reactions. Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez backed the move, arguing that Babar and Rizwan should no longer be seen as automatic picks in T20 cricket. On the other hand, ex-captain Wasim Akram had earlier called for Babar’s return, emphasizing the importance of experienced players in high-pressure tournaments.
Fresh Look at the Pakistan Squad
The reshuffled squad includes aggressive batters like Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Sahibzada Farhan, with selectors clearly focusing on a faster scoring approach. Analysts say the move reflects Pakistan’s intent to adopt a more modern T20 style, prioritizing strike rates and adaptability over seniority.
The Asia Cup 2025, set to take place in the UAE, will serve as a key preparation ground ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup next year. Whether Pakistan’s bold new strategy pays off remains to be seen, but Babar Azam’s exclusion has already become one of the biggest talking points ahead of the tournament.
