The cricket world was stunned this week when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced its squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, leaving out two of the country’s most reliable batters-Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. For a player long considered the backbone of Pakistan’s batting lineup, Babar’s omission has raised serious questions about his future in the shortest format.
Asia Cup Exclusion: A Bold PCB Move
Babar’s exclusion from the Asia Cup and the preceding T20 tri-series against Afghanistan and the UAE reflects the new selection committee’s push for aggressive cricket. According to reports, the coaching panel—led by Mike Hesson-believes Babar must raise his T20 strike rate and sharpen his game against spin if he wants to earn a recall.
For years, Babar has been Pakistan’s anchor in white-ball cricket, but critics argue his conservative batting often slows down the innings in T20s. The PCB now seems committed to injecting more intent into the batting order, even if that means sidelining one of its biggest names.
Hesson’s Challenge to Babar
Head coach Mike Hesson has thrown down the gauntlet, urging Babar to feature in leagues like the Big Bash (BBL) to rediscover his attacking rhythm. Such a move would test Babar in conditions that demand quick scoring and fearless stroke play. If he accepts the challenge, Australia could become the stage for his redemption.
From an analytical perspective, this could actually benefit Babar. His talent is unquestionable, but adapting to modern T20 demands is the key to prolonging his career. A stronger strike rate, especially in the powerplay overs, would make him almost undroppable again.
Off the Field: Leading Through Charity
While his cricketing career faces scrutiny, Babar’s off-field reputation continues to soar. He is set to join legends Shahid Afridi and Younis Khan in a charity exhibition match in Peshawar on August 30, aimed at raising funds for flood relief under the banner “Khel Se Khidmat” (Service Through Sports).
This initiative highlights another side of Babar-the leader who commands respect not just for his runs but also for his contribution to society. For fans, this balance of sportsmanship and service reinforces why he remains one of Pakistan’s most admired athletes.
What This Means for Pakistan Cricket
- Short-term impact: Pakistan enters the Asia Cup without its two senior batters, putting extra responsibility on younger players like Saim Ayub and Azam Khan.
- For Babar: The message is clear-adapt or risk being sidelined in T20s. His ODI and Test credentials remain strong, but his T20 career is at a crossroads.
- For fans: The charity match offers a reminder that even when not on the international stage, Babar continues to inspire.
Final Take
Babar Azam’s Asia Cup omission is both a wake-up call and an opportunity. If he responds positively by evolving his T20 game, he can script one of the strongest comebacks in recent cricket history. And while selectors look ahead, Babar’s presence in flood relief efforts proves his legacy is already larger than runs and records.