The landscape of Pakistan's T20I cricket team is undergoing a seismic shift, potentially signaling a move away from its reliance on seasoned veterans like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Recent reports suggest that the national selectors, along with head coach Mike Hesson, are charting a course that prioritizes youth and fresh talent, casting a shadow over the T20I futures of these established stars.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly communicated to Babar, Rizwan, and Afridi that their services are not immediately required for the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies and Bangladesh. These series, scheduled for July and August, are seen as opportunities to blood new players and provide them with valuable international exposure ahead of major tournaments like the Asia Cup and the ICC T20 World Cup.
This decision stems from a desire to build a team with a more aggressive and modern approach to T20 cricket. Selectors are keen on exploring new tactical combinations and identifying players who can deliver high-impact performances from the outset. Babar and Rizwan, who last featured in a T20I together in December 2024, appear to be on the periphery of this evolving strategy.
While Shaheen Afridi's exclusion might raise eyebrows given his Pakistan Super League (PSL) success, sources suggest that concerns about his attitude have influenced the decision. Despite his impressive performances, internal reports reportedly flagged issues with the left-arm pacer's behavior, prompting the selectors to take a firm stance. However, other reports suggest that Shaheen is being managed with workload in mind.
The selection committee, including Aaqib Javed, Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali, and Asad Shafiq, along with head coach Mike Hesson, finalized the squads for the Bangladesh series and the upcoming T20Is against the West Indies in the USA. These squads are expected to feature fresh faces who have impressed in domestic events like the Champions One-Day and T20 Cups and the PSL. Players like Mohammad Naeem, Yasir Khan, Maaz Sadaqat, Abdul Samad, Ubaid Shah, and Ali Raza have reportedly staked their claims for national team selection.
Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as the T20I captain, with Shadab Khan as his deputy, signaling a clear intention to invest in new leadership and provide opportunities for emerging talent. While the door is not entirely closed for Babar, Rizwan, and Afridi, their future T20I involvement hinges on the performance of the new players and the team's overall needs. Selectors have indicated that they can always revert to the senior players if things don't go as planned.
Mike Hesson has emphasized that selection will be based on players' ability to fit specific roles aligned with the team's tactical vision. He stressed that experience and reputation alone will not guarantee a place in the squad. This signals a strategic shift towards a more data-driven and role-based selection policy.
As Pakistan prepares for the Asia Cup 2025 and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, these decisions reflect a calculated effort to build a competitive team for the future. While the potential absence of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi from the T20I setup marks the end of an era, it also opens up exciting opportunities for emerging talent to shine on the international stage and shape the next chapter of Pakistan's T20I journey.
