Pakistan cricket fans are buzzing after fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi shared candid thoughts on the recent squad changes. He suggested that top players, including himself, could face similar decisions as the team prioritizes new talent.
Shaheen’s View on Team Shifts
During a training camp in Sharjah, Shaheen addressed the decision to leave out Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the upcoming events. He called them top performers who have served the country well but stressed the need to give others a shot.
Shaheen pointed out that no spot is permanent in cricket. He noted that fresh faces deserve support to build the team’s future. This comes amid criticism from supporters and past players over the choices.
Also Read: Shock for Fans: Why Pakistan Left Out Babar for Asia Cup 2025
Reasons Behind the Exclusions
Pakistan selectors made the call to rest Babar and Rizwan after their last T20 series against South Africa late last year. The focus now turns to preparing for the 2026 T20 World Cup by testing younger options.
Officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board have clarified that the door remains open for returns based on form. Babar, a former captain known for his steady batting, and Rizwan, a reliable wicketkeeper-batsman, have been mainstays since the 2021 T20 World Cup.
The move has split opinions. Some see it as a bold step to refresh the lineup, while others worry about losing experience in big tournaments.
Matches on the Horizon
Pakistan kicks off with a T20 tri-series against Afghanistan and the UAE, running from August 29 to September 7 in Sharjah. This leads straight into the Asia Cup, set for September 9 to 28 across venues in the region.
The eight-team Asia Cup includes defending champions and rivals like India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan aims to reclaim the title they last won in 2012.
Full Pakistan Squad
Here is the 17-player list for both the tri-series and Asia Cup:
- Saim Ayub
- Fakhar Zaman
- Salman Ali Agha (Captain)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Faheem Ashraf
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Ali
- Hasan Nawaz
- Hussain Talat
- Khushdil Shah
- Mohammad Haris (Wicketkeeper)
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Mohammad Wasim Jr
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Salman Mirza
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Sufiyan Muqeem
Looking Ahead
As the team trains, attention turns to how the new mix performs. Shaheen’s words highlight a push for balance between stars and emerging talent. Results in these tournaments could shape selections for major events down the line.
Also Read: Pakistan Skips Hockey Tournament in India – Here’s Why
