The decision by the Pakistan Cricket Board to exclude former captains Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the Asia Cup 2025 squad on August 17 has triggered widespread surprise and debate among cricket fans and experts. Babar and Rizwan, who are Pakistan’s highest run-scorers in T20 cricket, were unexpectedly left out of the team, shocking supporters not just in Pakistan but globally.
Following the announcement, former fast bowler Tanveer Ahmed expressed his frustration and advised Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to retire from international cricket if they feel disrespected by the board. Drawing a comparison with Virat Kohli’s position and choices, he claimed that if respect is a priority for Babar and Rizwan, they should consider stepping away from the international arena.
The reaction did not end there. Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez offered a sharp critique by stating that Babar and Rizwan are no longer key figures in Pakistan’s cricket setup. On his YouTube channel, Mohammad Hafeez argued that calling them indispensable would be unfair because they are not delivering match-winning performances anymore. He emphasised that true key players are those who actively contribute to victories.
Mohammad Hafeez highlighted other emerging talents such as Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz as the real match-winners for Pakistan in recent months. He questioned why the focus remains on Babar and Rizwan when these younger players are consistently performing and producing results on the field.
In his opinion, both Babar and Rizwan must reassess their positions and work to reestablish themselves purely as reliable players before being considered key team members again. Hafeez stressed that past achievements are not enough and that current form should determine their place in the squad. He also mentioned that players like Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi are facing similar scrutiny for not delivering standout performances lately.
The omission of Babar and Rizwan has clearly sparked a deeper conversation about performance, respect and the criteria for selection in Pakistan cricket. As reactions continue to pour in, it remains to be seen how the situation will evolve and whether these seasoned players will respond with renewed determination or make drastic decisions about their international careers.
