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Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has voiced his regret over the omission of ace batter Babar Azam from the Pakistan squad for the upcoming tri-series and Asia Cup 2025.
Babar was not included in the Pakistan squad, amid criticism surrounding his strike rate. The top-order batter last played in the T20Is against South Africa in December 2024.
During an interview with a sports platform, Wasim Akram has backed the young Pakistan squad to do well in the upcoming tournament.
He said that the team has the hunger to upset India while rueing the absence of Babar Azam.
“Personally, I wanted to see Babar Azam in the team, but since he’s not been selected, it’s up to those in the squad to step up,” Wasim Akram said.
He also tipped the Asia Cup as an exciting event for fans worldwide, expressing his desire to see India and Pakistan contesting in the longest format of the game.
“This Asia Cup will be a feast for fans worldwide. It’s my wish that India and Pakistan also resume playing a Test series. It’s been too long, and it would be a historic spectacle for fans on both sides,” Wasim Akram added.
The Asia Cup 2025 is set to take place across two venues, Dubai International Cricket Stadium and Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, in the UAE from September 9 to 28.
Pakistan will play their opening match in the Asia Cup 2025 on September 12 against Oman before squaring off against India in the much-anticipated encounter, scheduled for September 14.
Pakistan Squad for Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025
Pakistan: 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, Sufiyan Muqeem
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