Pakistan drops Babar Azam, Rizwan for Asia Cup, sparks debate over politics in cricket

Pakistan has dropped star cricketers Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan from the Asia Cup 2025 squad, sparking debate over politics, favoritism, and performance in national team selection ahead of the UAE tournaments.

Imran Malik – LAHORE, Pakistan — Pakistan cricket has been thrown into fresh controversy after star players Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan were left out of the T20 squad for the upcoming Asia Cup and Tri-Nation Series in the UAE, raising sharp criticism over whether performance or politics is driving selections.

Chief selector and former fast bowler Aqib Javed told reporters in Lahore that the decision was based solely on performance, not favoritism. “Opportunities in the national team come based on form,” he said. “Consistency matters. Any player who performs can return to the squad. We are not writing anyone off.”

Babar and Rizwan have not featured in Pakistan’s last three T20 series. Their replacements — Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Sahibzada Farhan — have been given a run at the top order. Javed emphasized that the selectors are seeking stability rather than relying on two or three-match performances.

Head coach Mike Hesson added that Babar has been specifically asked to improve his technique against spin bowling. “He’s working hard on this area, and once he shows that adjustment, he will certainly be back in contention,” Hesson said.

But the exclusion has fueled debate among fans and analysts who accuse selectors of bowing to internal politics and favoritism. Critics have pointed to Aqib Javed’s influence and the re-inclusion of players like Fakhar Zaman and Rana Faheem Ashraf as signs of “political” decision-making rather than merit-based selection.

The Asia Cup, scheduled from Sept. 9-28 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, will be a key test for Pakistan as it prepares for the T20 World Cup. The tri-nation series with Afghanistan and the UAE, beginning Aug. 29 in Sharjah, will serve as a warm-up.

Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan, once regarded as the backbone of Pakistan’s batting lineup, are now on the sidelines — leaving many to question if Pakistan cricket is prioritizing experiments over experience at a critical moment.

Full Pakistan T20 squad — Tri-Series & Asia Cup

• Salman Ali Agha (captain)

• Abrar Ahmed

• Faheem Ashraf

• Fakhar Zaman

• Haris Rauf

• Hasan Ali

• Hasan Nawaz

• Hussain Talat

• Khushdil Shah

• Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper)

• Mohammad Nawaz

• Mohammad Waseem Jr.

• Sahibzada Farhan

• Saim Ayub

• Salman Mirza

• Shaheen Shah Afridi

• Sufyan Moqim

Pakistan opens its Asia Cup campaign on Sept. 12 in Dubai against Oman, followed by a high-profile clash with India two days later. The tri-nation series in Sharjah, featuring Afghanistan and UAE, serves as a warm-up for the main tournament.

With star players sidelined, Pakistan’s squad leans on a dynamic mix of youth and experience. As cricket fever builds, the pressing question remains: Can this bold experiment yield results, or will sidelining seasoned leaders cost Pakistan in critical matches ahead?