The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its squad for the upcoming UAE tri-series and Asia Cup 2025, with the notable exclusion of star batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. This decision has sparked considerable debate among fans and cricket experts. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has addressed the controversy, clarifying that he played no part in the selection process and emphasizing that the decisions were made solely by the selection committee based on merit.
Naqvi stated firmly that he doesn't have even a "one percent role" in selecting or dropping players. He emphasized that the selection committee and advisory body engage in lengthy discussions, sometimes lasting 8-10 hours or even spanning 2-3 days, to finalize the squad. He expressed full faith in their professionalism and reiterated that his only instruction to them was to make decisions based on merit, assuring them of his complete support.
The exclusion of Babar and Rizwan, who have been central to Pakistan's white-ball setup since 2021 and last featured in T20 internationals in December 2024, signals a strategic shift towards grooming younger talent ahead of the T20 World Cup next year. Selectors are focusing on power-hitters, with Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, and Fakhar Zaman expected to take on top-order responsibilities. Salman Ali Agha will captain the team. The squad includes a mix of experienced players like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali, along with promising youngsters such as Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Haris.
Head coach Mike Hesson elaborated on the decision, indicating that Babar had been asked to improve his strike rate and play against spin. He added that Babar has the opportunity to play in the BBL and demonstrate improvement in these areas. Naqvi underlined the board's long-term vision, stating that the aim is to explore and back new talent to create greater competition within the squad. He linked the absence of Category A contracts in the newly announced central contracts to underwhelming performances, underscoring that accountability would continue to guide board decisions.
Mohammad Rizwan's future as ODI captain will be determined by the selectors, according to Naqvi. Rizwan's captaincy began with series wins against Australia and South Africa, but Pakistan's form declined, with a group-stage Champions Trophy exit and losses to New Zealand and West Indies. Hesson has submitted his report after the West Indies series, which will be reviewed before a decision is made on Rizwan's leadership role.
The Asia Cup 2025, which will be held in T20 format in the UAE from September 9 to 28, has Pakistan placed in Group A alongside India, the UAE, and Oman. Before the Asia Cup, Pakistan will participate in a tri-series in Sharjah against Afghanistan and the UAE from August 29 to September 7. The exclusion of Babar and Rizwan has sparked debate about the team's strategy, with some seeing it as an opportunity to experiment with new faces. Others question whether the selectors' gamble will pay off on the field.
