Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad sparks controversy as Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are dropped over strike rate concerns, while captain Agha Salman’s weaker numbers expose glaring hypocrisy in team selection.

Wristspinners Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem have also secured spots in Pakistan's squad. They are joined by Salman Mirza, who was Pakistan's leading wicket-taker with eight wickets in the recent away T20I series against Bangladesh.

Kamran Akmal had recently asked for Babar Azam to be dropped from all white-ball formats, but made a massive U-turn after the former Pakistan captain was not included in the squad for Asia Cup 2025.

Pakistan will walk into the Asia Cup 2025 starting September 9 without Babar Azam, a decision that has already sparked debate among fans and experts. For nearly a decade, Babar has been the anchor of Pakistan’s batting. Now, at 30, he finds himself out of the squad not because of an injury or retirement but because of form and approach.

Whatever politics are at play, whatever the motivation behind the omission of Babar Azam from Pakistan’s squad for the Asia Cup, he will cope. So, Mohammad Rizwan has lost his place, too, and been demoted to the B category of Pakistan’s central contracts?

Babar Azam's exclusion from Pakistan's Asia Cup 2025 Squad has sparked discussions about PCB’s new approach towards T20 cricket.

Mike Hesson said that a player like Babar Azam has opportunity to play in the Big Bash League (BBL) and showcase his improvement in the format

The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced their squad for the Asia Cup 2025 and the Tri-nation series. Senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been ignored.