Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan Dropped from Asia Cup 2025: PCB Chairman Breaks Silence
Published: August 26, 2025
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has finally addressed the hot topic surrounding the exclusion of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from Pakistan’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025.
The decision has left fans stunned, as two of Pakistan’s most reliable batters were not included in the 17-member squad.
PCB Chairman on Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s Exclusion
Naqvi clarified that the team selection is not influenced by him, but is purely the responsibility of the selection committee and advisory panel.
“I don’t have even 1% role in selecting or dropping players. The committee discusses everything in detail, sometimes for days. My only instruction is that all decisions must be on merit,” Naqvi told local reporters.
This statement comes amid rising criticism from fans and former cricketers who feel Pakistan will struggle without the experienced duo.
Why Were Babar Azam and Rizwan Dropped?
During the squad announcement, head coach Mike Hesson and chief selector Aqib Javed revealed that both players have been asked to work on their strike rate to match the demands of modern-day T20 cricket.
Aqib Javed emphasized that the door is not shut for them:
- They must prove form in domestic cricket.
- Strong performances in franchise leagues worldwide could pave their way back.
“Right now, the team has better options in T20s. But Babar and Rizwan can return by showing consistency,” Javed said.
Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup 2025
With Babar and Rizwan absent, the leadership responsibility goes to Salman Ali Agha, who will captain the team in the Asia Cup starting September 9, 2025.
Full Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Squad:
- Salman Ali Agha (Captain)
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Fakhar Zaman
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Ali
- Hasan Nawaz
- Hussain Talat
- Khushdil Shah
- Mohammad Haris (wk)
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Mohammad Waseem Jnr
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Mirza
- Abrar Ahmed
- Faheem Ashraf
- Sufyan Moqim
Pakistan will compete in Group A alongside India, UAE, and Oman.
The Bigger Picture: Pakistan’s New Approach in T20 Cricket
The omission of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan signals a bold shift by the PCB towards a more aggressive T20 playing style. With younger players being given opportunities, the management is clearly focusing on future planning and strike-rate-driven cricket.
For fans, the big question is: Can Pakistan perform without two of their most experienced stars?
For Babar and Rizwan, the message is clear — adapt, perform, and earn your way back.
