Pakistan Drops Babar and Rizwan from Asia Cup Squad

The Pakistan cricket squad has surprised fans with its Asia Cup selection, leaving out star batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. This bold decision signals a shift in Pakistan’s T20 strategy as the team prepares for the tri-series in the UAE and the Asia Cup starting on September 9. The keyword Pakistan cricket squad defines the current debate surrounding the team’s direction.

Major Selection Decisions

Salman Agha has been named captain of the 17-member Pakistan cricket squad. He will also lead the side in the UAE tri-series against Afghanistan and the hosts. The return of Fakhar Zaman, who recovered from a hamstring injury earlier this month, boosts the batting line-up.

Meanwhile, the absence of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, once Pakistan’s most reliable T20 pair, has caught many off guard. Both players have been sidelined for consecutive T20 series, raising questions about their long-term role in the shortest format.

Babar’s Recent Form

Babar last featured in a T20 international in December 2024. During PSL 2025, he scored 288 runs in ten innings for Peshawar Zalmi. His performances included scores of 56 not out, 53 not out, and 94. However, his strike rate of 128.57 did not fully convince selectors.

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In the ODI series against West Indies, Babar’s form dipped further with scores of 47, 0, and 9. This inconsistency added to concerns about his adaptability in fast-paced T20 matches.

Rizwan’s Struggles

Like Babar, Mohammad Rizwan has been absent from Pakistan’s T20 squads in recent months. In the ODI series against West Indies, he started well with 53 runs in the first game but followed it up with 16 and a duck. His omission reflects the selectors’ intent to prioritize aggressive batting options at the top.

Coach Explains the Decision

Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson explained the rationale. He noted that Babar had been challenged to improve his T20 approach, especially against spin and in accelerating his strike rate. Hesson acknowledged Babar’s class but emphasized that current players like Sahibzada Farhan have seized opportunities with consistency.

“Sahibzada has won three Player of the Match awards in just six games,” Hesson said. “A player like Babar still has chances to prove himself in leagues such as the BBL. He’s too good to ignore, but right now, the squad must stick to its aggressive style.”

Bowling Selections

Shaheen Afridi retains his place despite limited T20 appearances recently. However, Naseem Shah has been left out again while continuing to play in the Caribbean Premier League. Rising fast bowler Salman Mirza, Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker against Bangladesh with eight wickets, has been rewarded with a spot.

Specialist wrist-spinners Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem also kept their positions, highlighting Pakistan’s focus on variety in the bowling attack.

A Strategy of Aggression

Hesson reiterated his preference for a top-heavy, attacking batting style. He pointed to Pakistan’s summer tours, where success came when openers set the tone early. Against the West Indies, Pakistan’s openers combined for 138 runs in one game, providing a clear example of the strategy’s effectiveness.

“T20 cricket is all about being ahead of the game,” Hesson said. “If the top order fires, we control the match. That is the philosophy we are sticking with.”

Warm-Up Before the Asia Cup

The UAE tri-series against Afghanistan and the hosts will serve as Pakistan’s preparation for the Asia Cup. Pakistan has never won the T20 version of the tournament. The team last reached the final in 2022, only to fall short.

Full Squad

Salman Agha (capt), 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 Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.

What Lies Ahead

The omission of Babar and Rizwan marks a turning point for Pakistan cricket squad selection. Both players remain world-class talents, but the management has prioritized strike rates, adaptability, and aggression. With the Asia Cup around the corner, the squad faces a crucial test of this new philosophy. Whether it brings success or backfires will soon be clear when Pakistan takes the field in the UAE.