Babar, Rizwan Still Out of Plans for Tri-Series and Asia Cup

Pakistan cricket selection discussions intensified as star batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan remain absent from the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) plans for the upcoming tri-nation T20I series and the Asia Cup 2025. Despite their stature in international cricket, the duo’s recent form and ongoing exclusion from the shortest format continue to shape team strategy.

Continued Absence from T20I Squad

Babar and Rizwan have not featured in any T20 International since December 2024. Their latest appearances came in the recently concluded ODI series against the West Indies, where both failed to deliver match-winning performances.

Babar scored 47 in the first ODI, followed by a three-ball duck in the second, and just nine runs in the third. Rizwan’s numbers were slightly better, with 53 runs in the opener, 16 in the second match, and a first-ball duck in the final game. These results further weakened their case for a recall in the T20 format.

PCB Shifts Focus to New Pacers

While Babar and Rizwan remain sidelined, the PCB is bringing in fresh pace options. Salman Mirza and all-rounder Ahmed Daniyal are set to rejoin the squad for the tri-series against Afghanistan and the UAE later this month.

Both players impressed in the recent T20I series against Bangladesh. Mirza claimed seven wickets in three matches, while Daniyal took three wickets and scored 17 runs across two games. Despite Pakistan losing that series 2-1, their individual performances stood out.

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Rest for Senior Fast Bowlers

The inclusion of Mirza and Daniyal comes as senior pacers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf are being rested for workload management. The PCB aims to keep them fresh for the Asia Cup starting in September. Both Shaheen and Rauf are expected to return for the continental tournament.

Tri-Series Venue and Dates

The tri-series will run from August 29 to September 7 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE. It will serve as a warm-up for all three participating teams ahead of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup, scheduled from September 9 to 28, also in the UAE.

Originally, Pakistan was set to host Afghanistan in a bilateral T20I series this month. However, the PCB proposed converting it into a tri-series and moving the matches to the UAE to give players exposure to local conditions before the Asia Cup.

Importance of the Tri-Series

This tri-series is not just a standalone event. It provides Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE with valuable match practice in the UAE’s playing conditions. Each team will face the others twice in the round-robin stage. The top two teams will qualify for the final on September 7.

The series opener between Pakistan and Afghanistan will take place on August 29 at 7:00 PM local time. With every match carrying significance, team combinations, player form, and tactical adjustments will be closely monitored by selectors and fans alike.

Official Schedule – All Matches at Sharjah Cricket Stadium

29 August – Afghanistan vs Pakistan – 7:00 PM local time
30 August – UAE vs Pakistan – 7:00 PM local time
1 September – UAE vs Afghanistan – 7:00 PM local time
2 September – Pakistan vs Afghanistan – 7:00 PM local time
4 September – Pakistan vs UAE – 7:00 PM local time
5 September – Afghanistan vs UAE – 7:00 PM local time
7 September – Final – 7:00 PM local time

Selection Strategy Under Spotlight

The decision to keep Babar and Rizwan out of the squad signals the PCB’s willingness to experiment before major tournaments. By backing emerging players, selectors appear to be focusing on squad depth and versatility. However, the absence of two of Pakistan’s most experienced batters could spark debate, especially if the team struggles to post competitive scores.

With the Asia Cup just around the corner, the tri-series will act as a testing ground for both new and existing talent. Strong performances could solidify places in the final Asia Cup squad, while poor form might force late changes. For now, Babar and Rizwan remain on the sidelines, watching as others make their case for selection.