ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad announcement created a stir after one of the country’s biggest names, Babar Azam, was left out. The former captain, long seen as the backbone of Pakistan’s batting, has been sidelined as selectors opted for aggression and strike rate over the traditional anchor role.
Head coach Mike Hesson explained that the 17-man squad, also set to feature in the UAE tri-series, was chosen with “form, impact, and match-ups” in mind. Players like Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, and Fakhar Zaman have consistently shifted games in the powerplay and early middle overs, offering the explosiveness Pakistan want in today’s T20 cricket.
By contrast, Babar’s strike rate in the middle overs—especially against spin—has been under scrutiny. Hesson noted that while the right-hander remains a world-class player, he needs to show improvements in those areas.
“Babar Azam has an opportunity to play in the BBL and prove he’s working on the areas required in T20Is. He’s too good a player for us not to consider,” Hesson said, stressing that the door is not closed.
Supporting this view, Aaqib Javed, Director of High Performance, argued that national team places must be earned on current performance, not past reputation. He highlighted leagues such as the PSL and BBL as ideal platforms for players to prove their worth.
For now, Pakistan head into September with a squad built around flexibility, intent, and fearless batting, while the absence of Babar remains the biggest talking point. At 30 years old, with franchises eager to sign him, the former skipper still has time to align his game with Pakistan’s evolving T20 philosophy and reclaim his spot.