Former cricketer questions Babar, Rizwan's omission from T20I team

Former wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal has questioned the absence of the experienced duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the Pakistan T20I squad.

Speaking during a private event, Kamran shared his thoughts on the team selection for the Asia Cup 2025 and Tri-Series against Afghanistan and the UAE.

He also questioned the absence of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the T20I team.

“Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan should have been part of the team,” he remarked.

The former wicket-keeper also reiterated his earlier statement about trying new players.

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“They have performed in the past, and I had said these players — Babar, Shaheen [Afridi], Shadab [Khan], and Haris [Rauf] — should be removed from the T20I team and new players should be given a chance,” he said.

The 43-year-old highlighted the significance of marquee events and the need for senior players in bigger tournaments, while stressing the importance of these events.

“These players will be automatically chosen for major ICC and ACC tournaments,” he added.

“The team was not formed considering the difficult conditions and the pressure situation. I think a better team could have been formed, and this has been ongoing for several years,” Kamran Akmal concluded.

Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 17-member squad, excluding Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s last T20I appearance came in December 2024 against South Africa. Since then, neither player has been in the team’s plan for the shorter format amid criticism of their strike rates.

Salman Ali Agha will lead the side with experienced players such as Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf included in the squad.

Additionally, young talents Saim Ayub, Khushdil Shah, and Hussain Talat are also part of the squad.

For the unversed,  the tri-series, scheduled to run from August 29 to September 7, will be held entirely at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium and will see each team face the others twice, culminating in the final on September 7.

The series will serve as a crucial tune-up for the Asia Cup 2025, also to be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28 in the T20 format.

Pakistan squad for the UAE tri-series and Asia Cup

Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim

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