Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Squad: Babar Azam and Mohd.Rizwan Axed!

Cricket fans, brace yourselves! The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) dropped a bombshell by announcing the Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 squad without Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Set for September 9-28 in the UAE, this T20I tournament is a key step toward the T20 World Cup 2026. The 17-member squad, led by Salman Agha, signals big changes.

The Asia Cup UAE 2025 will see Pakistan face India on September 10 at the Dubai International Stadium. Fans are buzzing about the absence of star players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. New talents and returning players like Fakhar Zaman are ready to shine. Mike Hesson, the new coach, is shaking things up.

Why were these big names left out? What does this mean for Pakistan’s future? This article dives into the squad, surprises, and what to expect. Let’s explore the Pakistan T20I squad and its bold new direction!

Star Duo Sidelined: Babar and Rizwan Miss Out

Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad shocked fans by excluding Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Salman Agha will lead the 17-member team, which also plays a tri-series against the UAE and Afghanistan. Both players last played a T20I in December 2024. Their absence suggests a new strategy for the T20 World Cup 2026 prep.

Babar Azam scored 288 runs in PSL 2025 at a strike rate of 128.57. Mohammad Rizwan smashed 367 runs, including a century, at 139.54. Yet, the selectors chose players like Sahibzada Farhan, who won three Player of the Match awards in six games. This bold move has sparked debates across the Pakistan cricket team fanbase.

Why Were They Dropped?

The PCB selection strategy is focusing on T20 specialists. Babar Azam needs to improve against spin and boost his strike rate, says coach Mike Hesson. Mohammad Rizwan’s recent T20I absence also hurt his case. The selectors are betting on fresh faces like Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris to deliver in the Asia Cup UAE 2025.

Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Squad

Babar Azam’s Struggles After Team Exclusion

Babar Azam’s exclusion from the Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 squad has raised eyebrows. He scored 288 runs in PSL 2025, with knocks of 56*, 53*, and 94 for Peshawar Zalmi. However, his T20I form has been inconsistent since December 2024. His ODI scores against West Indies (47, 0, 9) didn’t help his case either.

Coach Mike Hesson urged Babar to work on facing spin and improving his strike rate. He’s been advised to play in the Big Bash League (BBL) to regain form. Fans are split—some see this as a wake-up call, others a mistake. Babar Azam’s exclusion could push him to come back stronger for the T20 World Cup 2026.

Babar’s talent is undeniable, with a solid PSL record. His challenge is adapting to T20’s fast pace. The BBL offers a chance to prove his worth. If he succeeds, he could reclaim his spot in the Pakistan T20I squad.

Is Mohammad Rizwan Struggling as a Wicketkeeper-Batter?

Mohammad Rizwan’s absence from the Asia Cup 2025 squad has sparked questions about his role. He scored 367 runs in PSL 2025, including a century, at a strike rate of 139.54. But his T20I absence since December 2024 and mixed ODI scores (53, 16, 0 against West Indies) hurt his selection. Mohammad Haris takes over as wicketkeeper.

Rizwan’s glovework is sharp, but his T20 batting needs more aggression. The selectors want a keeper who can score quickly. Mohammad Haris’s attacking style fits the T20I championship better. Fans wonder if Rizwan can adapt to stay relevant, like the growing Bangladesh team on revival.

Rizwan’s experience is valuable, but T20 demands explosive batting. His PSL century shows he can dominate. He needs to boost his strike rate in domestic leagues. A strong comeback could secure his spot for the T20 World Cup 2026.

Pakistan’s Low Score Against West Indies Sparks Backlash

Pakistan’s West Indies T20I series win (2-1) wasn’t without drama. In one match, they were bowled out for just 92, drawing heavy criticism. Fans and analysts slammed the batting collapse, blaming poor shot selection. This raised concerns about the Pakistan cricket team’s readiness for the Asia Cup UAE 2025.

The selectors stuck with the same 15 players from the series win. Fakhar Zaman’s return and Saim Ayub’s inclusion aim to fix batting issues. Coach Mike Hesson believes the team can bounce back. The Asia Cup 2025 will test their ability to handle pressure.

Social media erupted after the 92-run debacle. Fans called for Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s return. Others backed young players like Hasan Nawaz. The PCB selection strategy now faces scrutiny to deliver in the T20I championship.

Time for Big Changes in Pakistan’s Squad?

The Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 squad’s exclusion of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan signals a major shift. Recent T20I struggles, including the West Indies series, highlight batting weaknesses. The PCB is banking on youth like Saim Ayub and Hussain Talat to refresh the team. But is this enough for the T20 World Cup 2026 prep?

Salman Agha’s leadership and Shaheen Afridi’s bowling are strengths. Yet, fans question if veterans were dropped too soon. The tri-series against the UAE and Afghanistan will test the new-look squad. The Pakistan cricket team needs big wins to silence critics.

Youth vs. Experience Debate

Youngsters like Mohammad Haris bring energy, but lack experience. Veterans like Babar and Rizwan offer stability. The PCB’s bold move could pay off if the youth deliver. The Asia Cup UAE 2025 will show if this gamble works.

Can Salman Agha Shine Against India on September 10?

Salman Agha steps into the spotlight as captain for the India vs Pakistan match on September 10 at Dubai International Stadium. His calm leadership guided Pakistan to a 2-1 win over the West Indies. Now, he faces a high-pressure clash against India. The Asia Cup 2025 opener is a chance to prove his worth.

With Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf in the bowling attack, Salman has firepower. His batting will also be key in the middle order. Fans are excited to see if he can outsmart India. The Pakistan squad announcement has set the stage for a thrilling battle.

Leading against India is no easy task. Salman Agha must rally young players like Saim Ayub. His tactics will decide if Pakistan can upset India. A win could boost confidence for the T20I championship.

Dubai Stadium Gears Up for India-Pakistan Showdown 2.0

The Dubai International Stadium is ready for the India vs Pakistan match on September 10. After Pakistan’s loss to India in the Champions Trophy 2025, this Asia Cup UAE 2025 clash is dubbed “Round 2.0.” The venue’s electric atmosphere will amplify the rivalry. Fans are already buzzing with excitement, as India has already won in the same stadium.

Pakistan’s new squad, led by Salman Agha, aims to turn the tables. Shaheen Afridi’s pace could trouble India’s batters. The PCB hopes the T20I championship brings a win. The Dubai International Stadium is set for a blockbuster.

Dubai International Stadium is known for thrilling matches. Its pitch favors both batters and bowlers. The huge crowd will add pressure. This India vs Pakistan 2025 clash will be unforgettable.

The Pressure of India-Pakistan Clashes

India vs Pakistan matches bring unmatched pressure like in CT 2025. The Asia Cup 2025 game on September 10 is no different. Fans expect big performances from Salman Agha and Shaheen Afridi. The rivalry fuels intense emotions on and off the field.

Pakistan’s new squad faces a tough test without Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. India’s strong batting will challenge Haris Rauf’s bowling. The T20 World Cup 2026 prep adds extra stakes. Both teams feel the weight of this historic clash.

Players like Fakhar Zaman thrive under pressure. Youngsters like Hasan Nawaz must stay calm. The Dubai International Stadium crowd will be loud, where India became Champions. Mental strength will decide the T20I championship winner.

Fakhar Zaman’s Comeback Boosts Pakistan

Fakhar Zaman’s return from a hamstring injury is a big win for Pakistan. He missed parts of the West Indies series but is now fit for the Asia Cup 2025 squad. His aggressive batting could spark the top order. Fans are thrilled to see him back in action.

With Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris, Fakhar strengthens the batting lineup. His experience will guide younger players in the T20I championship. The PCB selection strategy banks on his firepower. The Asia Cup UAE 2025 is his chance to shine.

Fakhar’s Role in the Team

Fakhar Zaman’s attacking style suits T20s perfectly. He can take on bowlers like India’s Jasprit Bumrah. His return adds depth to the Pakistan T20I squad. A big knock could win matches in the T20 World Cup 2026 prep.

Why This Squad Matters?

The Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 squad is a bold step toward the future. Dropping Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan shows the PCB’s focus on T20 specialists. Salman Agha’s leadership and Fakhar Zaman’s return bring hope. The Asia Cup UAE 2025 is a chance to test this new direction.

Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf will lead the bowling attack. Young stars like Saim Ayub and Hussain Talat add excitement. The India vs Pakistan match on September 10 will be a massive test. Fans are eager to see if Pakistan can shine.

This squad is built for the T20 World Cup 2026. The tri-series against the UAE and Afghanistan will help fine-tune strategies. Will Salman Agha lead Pakistan to glory? Stay tuned for the Pakistan squad announcement updates and cheer for the Pakistan cricket team.