The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly set to continue its T20 journey without seasoned batsmen Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, even for the upcoming home series against Bangladesh. Both players will not be reinstated for the five-match T20I series that will happen after the completion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, according to local media outlets.
A Youth-Focused Approach Continues
Babar and Rizwan, who have not played a T20 International since December 13, 2024, seem to be out of PCB’s immediate plans as the board is looking to implement a more aggressive and younger batting lineup. Even though they are the top two all-time run-scorers for Pakistan in T20Is, the team management seems keen on shifting towards a contemporary, fast-paced brand of cricket.
Mixed Results from the New Strategy
While this change in policy has held out some hope, it has yet to yield the results that were hoped for. A recent series was lost by Pakistan 4-1 against New Zealand, pointing to the challenges involved in substituting experienced campaigners with up-and-coming players. Still, the PCB has not retreated from this aggressive measure and seems bent on pushing it to its conclusion.
Who’s Likely to Feature Instead?
With the return of Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Sahibzada Farhan, the battle for top-order positions in the Pakistan team has become even more fierce, as these talented players look to secure their places in the playing XI. These three are part of a new generation of T20 players that the selectors feel better fit the changing standards of international cricket.
A Major Turning Point for Pakistan Cricket
The decision to exclude experienced players such as Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan may signal a significant shift in Pakistan’s T20I approach, as the team looks to embrace a more youthful and dynamic playing style moving forward. With the Asia Cup on the cards this year and the ICC T20 World Cup just around the corner in 2026, Pakistan appears poised to enter a new age—one perhaps without two of its most experienced batters.
Bangladesh Series: A Glimpse Into the Future
The impending Bangladesh series will act as a trial by fire for this younger team. Playing in their home country, Pakistan will feel compelled to deliver, and any loss—particularly to a side like Bangladesh—would cast serious doubts on the PCB’s decision-making process. Nevertheless, insiders indicate the board is steadfast in its current vision.
Will Babar and Rizwan Return
Whether Babar Azam or Mohammad Rizwan will ever wear the green jersey in T20Is again is anyone’s guess. For now, the gates appear shut, and the focus is squarely on the new crop of talent responsible for defining Pakistan’s T20 future.
