Shaheen Afridi statement on the absence of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad has sparked debate across cricket circles. The left-arm pacer admitted that even he could face exclusion in the future as the team management shifts its focus towards grooming young talent. His remarks come as Pakistan prepares for a busy cricket calendar with the Asia Cup and next year’s T20 World Cup on the horizon.
Senior Players Left Out
For the first time since the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan will not feature in a multi-nation tournament for Pakistan. Both players were sidelined from the shortest format after the three-match away series against South Africa in December last year.
Their absence from the Asia Cup squad marks a significant change in Pakistan’s team composition. The selectors opted to give younger players opportunities, signaling a long-term strategy ahead of the global event next year.
Backlash Over Selection
The exclusion of Babar and Rizwan immediately triggered a wave of criticism. Fans expressed disappointment on social media, while former cricketers questioned the decision to leave out two of Pakistan’s most consistent performers in T20 cricket. For many, the duo represented stability at the top of the order, and their absence raised doubts about Pakistan’s batting strength.
Yet, team management stood firm, stressing the importance of building bench strength. By giving youngsters exposure in high-pressure tournaments, the selectors hope to develop a broader pool of players.
Shaheen’s Surprising Response
Speaking during Pakistan’s training session at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Shaheen Afridi urged support for the new-look squad. While acknowledging Babar and Rizwan as “world-class players,” he emphasized the need for others to get opportunities.
“I won’t be here either in the future. I believe everyone should get the opportunity,” Shaheen remarked. His words highlighted the unpredictability of modern cricket, where no player can take their place for granted.
He further added, “Babar and Rizwan are world-class players, and they played good cricket for Pakistan. By the will of Almighty Allah, they will play again. But everyone should get the opportunity, and they should grab it with both hands. These are our youngsters, and we must back them.”
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Preparing for Asia Cup
Pakistan’s preparations for the Asia Cup include a tri-nation T20I series against Afghanistan and hosts UAE. The series will run from August 29 to September 7, just before the continental tournament begins. Training sessions in Sharjah have focused on giving new players exposure alongside experienced campaigners like Shaheen.
The Asia Cup 2025, scheduled from September 9 to 28, will feature eight teams. Pakistan, as former champions, hopes to strike a balance between experience and youth in its campaign.
Pakistan’s Selected Squad
The announced squad reflects this strategy. Led by Salman Ali Agha, the team includes a mix of established players and newcomers. Key names in the squad include Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, and young prospects such as Hasan Nawaz and Salman Mirza.
The full squad for the Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025 is as follows:
Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (C), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Sufiyan Muqeem.
Youth at the Center
By leaving out two of Pakistan’s most recognized names, the selectors have put their faith in youth. Players like Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris will now shoulder greater responsibility in the batting order. Similarly, the inclusion of Hasan Nawaz and Salman Mirza offers fresh options in both pace and middle-order depth.
This approach signals a deliberate attempt to prepare a squad capable of adapting to future challenges. While risky, it also offers opportunities for young cricketers to make a mark on the international stage.
Fans Divided Over Change
Public opinion remains divided. Supporters of Babar and Rizwan believe their experience is crucial, especially in high-stakes tournaments. Critics of the selection policy warn that over-reliance on inexperienced players could backfire in pressure situations.
On the other hand, some fans welcome the bold approach. They argue that Pakistan has long depended on a handful of stars, leaving younger players underutilized. For them, this is a chance to create a balanced team with depth and versatility.
What Lies Ahead
The Shaheen Afridi statement has added a new dimension to the debate. By openly admitting that even senior players like himself are not guaranteed permanent spots, he underscored the merit-based direction of team selection.
Pakistan now faces a crucial period. Success in the tri-nation series and Asia Cup could validate the selectors’ approach and silence critics. However, early struggles may intensify calls for the return of Babar and Rizwan.
As the cricketing calendar moves toward the T20 World Cup, every match will test Pakistan’s ability to balance youth and experience. Whether the gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the team has entered a new era of experimentation and opportunity.
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