Pakistan Cricket Team Drops Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from Asia Cup 2025 Squad
Pakistan cricket selectors have surprised fans by omitting senior batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from their squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. The 17-member group will be led by Salman Agha, who was appointed captain earlier this year.
Shift in Approach
Both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been absent from Pakistan’s recent T20I squads, both at home against Bangladesh and away in the series against West Indies. This move raises eyebrows as the Asia Cup is considered a major multi-team event, signaling a shift in approach ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.
In the latest Pakistan Super League season, Babar scored 288 runs at a strike rate of 128.57 for Peshawar Zalmi, while Rizwan made 367 runs at 139.54, including a century for Multan Sultans. However, both players last featured in a T20I match in December 2024.
Head coach Mike Hesson commented on Babar’s exclusion, stating that the player has been asked to work on improving certain areas of his game, particularly in facing spin and increasing his strike rate. However, Hesson emphasized that Babar’s talent is undeniable and that he still has the opportunity to showcase his skills in leagues like the Big Bash League (BBL).
New Faces in the Squad
The squad for the UAE tri-series and Asia Cup includes two new additions: left-arm seamer Salman Mirza and allrounder Mohammad Wasim. Fakhar Zaman, who missed the latter stages of the West Indies tour due to a hamstring injury, has been deemed fit to play.
Salman Agha, who will also lead the side in a tri-series against Afghanistan and hosts UAE prior to the Asia Cup, will have the challenge of facing arch-rivals India in Pakistan’s opening game on September 10 at the Dubai International Stadium.
Pakistan Squad for UAE Tri-Series and Asia Cup
- Salman Agha (c)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Faheem Ashraf
- Fakhar Zaman
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Ali
- Hasan Nawaz
- Hussain Talat
- Khushdil Shah
- Mohammad Haris (wk)
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Mohammad Wasim
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Mirza
- Shaheen Afridi
- Sufiyan Muqeem
Despite the absence of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, the Pakistan squad remains strong and determined to put up a competitive performance in the upcoming tournaments. Fans will be eagerly awaiting their team’s performance against top rivals in the Asia Cup.
Analysis and Reactions
The decision to drop Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the Pakistan squad for the Asia Cup has sparked a range of reactions among cricket fans and experts. While some support the selectors’ bold move to introduce new talent and address specific areas of improvement, others question the exclusion of two key players with proven track records.
With Babar Azam being one of Pakistan’s most consistent performers in recent years and regarded as one of the best batters in the world, his absence raises concerns about the team’s batting strength. Mohammad Rizwan, on the other hand, has shown remarkable growth as a wicketkeeper-batsman and has played crucial roles in Pakistan’s victories.
The inclusion of Salman Mirza and Mohammad Wasim in the squad reflects a strategic decision to inject fresh energy and versatility into the team. These young players have shown promise in domestic competitions and will have the opportunity to prove themselves on the international stage during the upcoming tournaments.
Strategic Shift
By omitting Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, the Pakistan selectors are signaling a strategic shift towards building a squad that can adapt to varying conditions and tackle different challenges. This move highlights the selectors’ emphasis on performance-based selection and the continuous evolution of the team in preparation for major tournaments.
The decision to appoint Salman Agha as captain and lead the team in the tri-series and Asia Cup underscores the management’s confidence in his leadership abilities and strategic acumen. Agha will have the responsibility of guiding a relatively new-look squad and steering them towards success in high-stakes matches against formidable opponents.
Looking Ahead
As Pakistan gears up for the UAE tri-series and the Asia Cup, the team will face rigorous competition and intense scrutiny from fans and critics alike. The absence of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan will put the spotlight on other players to step up and fill the void left by these experienced campaigners.
Fans can expect exciting matchups, intense rivalries, and thrilling performances as Pakistan takes on top teams in the region. The Asia Cup presents an opportunity for the team to showcase their talent, resilience, and team spirit as they aim to make their mark on the international cricket stage.
Conclusion
While the exclusion of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan may have come as a surprise to many, the Pakistan cricket team’s decision reflects a bold and calculated approach to team building and strategic planning. The upcoming tournaments will serve as a litmus test for the new-look squad, offering a glimpse into the team’s potential and future direction.
As fans eagerly await the action-packed contests and thrilling encounters, the Pakistan cricket team will be focused on delivering standout performances, making strategic decisions, and showcasing their skills on the field. The exclusion of key players may be a temporary setback, but it also opens doors for emerging talent to shine and redefine the team’s dynamics in the competitive world of international cricket.
