Fans were shocked by why Babar Azam was not selected for Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad. Many question the reasons, while others discuss its impact on team strategy, selection policies, and Pakistan’s future cricket journey.
In this article, we explore the reasons, reactions, and possible outcomes of this decision, while looking at what it means for Pakistan’s journey in the Asia Cup 2025.
The Shock of Babar Azam’s Omission
Fans were surprised to see Babar Azam left out of the Asia Cup 2025 squad. His absence raised questions about fitness, form, and selectors’ new plans, leaving supporters shocked and disappointed.
A Quick Look at Babar Azam’s Career and Legacy
- Made his international debut in 2015 and quickly became a top performer.
- Known for elegant batting style, strong technique, and calm mindset.
- Served as Pakistan’s captain and led the team in all formats.
- Ranked among the best batsmen in ODI and T20 cricket worldwide.
- Broke several national and international batting records.
- Inspired young cricketers with consistency and discipline.
- Even with his absence from Asia Cup 2025, his legacy stays strong.
Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Squad Announcement
Pakistan Cricket Board has revealed the official squad for the Asia Cup 2025. The team is built with both senior players and new faces, aiming for balance in batting and bowling. However, the final selection brought some surprising changes.
Key Players in the Squad:
- Salman Ali Agha (c)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Faheem Ashraf
- Fakhar Zaman
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Ali
- Hasan Nawaz
- Hussain Talat
- Khushdil Shah
- Mohammad Haris (wk)
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Mohammad Waseem Jnr
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Mirza
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Sufyan Moqim
Mike Hesson’s Vision
Mike Hesson, Pakistan’s new team director, made it clear that the Asia Cup 2025 squad was selected with the future in mind. His goal is to prepare young players for bigger stages, create a balanced team, and avoid relying only on senior stars. He stressed that:
- New talent must get early chances to prove themselves
- Pakistan needs a strong bench for future tournaments
- Team stability comes from balance, not just one big name
- This forward-looking plan, however, came as a shock to fans, because it meant even a proven match-winner like Babar Azam had to step aside for the new generation.
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Why Strike Rate Became a Deciding Factor
In modern white-ball cricket, scoring quickly matters as much as scoring well. Pakistan’s selectors wanted players who can put pressure on opponents early, especially in T20-style contests.
Key Stats Behind the Decision:
- This year, Babar Azam’s overall T20 strike rate is 128, but it drops to 125 against spin, a common challenge in Asia Cup conditions.
- During the 2024 T20 World Cup, his strike rate dipped further to 101.67, well below the aggressive scoring rate the team prefers for modern formats.
- Experts also noted that in recent years, his powerplay strike rate (how fast runs are scored in the first few overs) remained under 130, which lags behind global benchmarks where a strike rate of 130+ is now considered standard.
The Role of Form: Babar’s Recent Performance Slump
One of the biggest reasons behind why Babar Azam was not selected for Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad is his recent dip in form. While Babar has been Pakistan’s most consistent run-scorer for years, the last few series showed a clear slump in his performance.
- In the 2024 T20 World Cup, Babar struggled with a strike rate just above 100, failing to give Pakistan quick starts.
- His average in recent T20Is also dropped compared to his career numbers, making it difficult for selectors to rely on him as the backbone of the batting order.
- Critics noted that Babar often got starts but could not convert them into big, match-winning innings.
No T20I Matches in 2025
Another key reason why Babar Azam was not selected for Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad is that Pakistan has played almost no T20I cricket this year. Since there were no international T20 matches in 2025 before the Asia Cup, selectors had no recent performance data to judge Babar’s form and strike rate in the shortest format.
- Players who stayed active in domestic T20 leagues had the edge because they showed current form.
- Babar, on the other hand, was focused more on Tests and ODIs, which made it difficult to assess his readiness for T20 cricket.
- The lack of fresh T20 records raised concerns about whether he could deliver in high-pressure Asia Cup games.
Comparing Newcomers vs Babar
One big reason why Babar Azam was not selected for Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad is the rise of young players who performed better in recent T20 leagues. Selectors compared Babar’s numbers with newcomers, and the difference was clear.
- Newcomers like Saim Ayub and Omair Yousuf showed aggressive batting with higher strike rates, which suited T20 needs.
- Babar Azam, while consistent, was struggling with slower scoring and poor form in recent months.
- Selectors felt the team needed fresh energy and fearless batting at the top, rather than an anchor role.
Fans Divided Over the Omission
Fans are split on why Babar Azam was not selected for Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad. Some feel his experience was needed, while others support the move, saying his recent form and strike rate did not match T20 needs.
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Media Buzz and Expert Opinions
The media widely discussed why Babar Azam was not selected for Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad. Some experts argued that his low strike rate made him unsuitable for T20 cricket, while others believed dropping such an experienced player was risky. This mix of views created big debate in both TV shows and social media.
Pakistan Cricket’s Shift Toward Impact-Driven Batting
One key reason why Babar Azam was not selected for Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad is the team’s new focus on impact-driven batting. Selectors now prefer players who score quick runs in fewer balls, even if they take risks. In T20 cricket, power-hitting and high strike rates are seen as more valuable than slow but steady batting, which made Babar’s traditional style less suitable for the current plan.
Can Babar Fight Back?
Yes, Babar Azam can fight back. Even though why Babar Azam was not selected for Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad, he can return by improving strike rate, adding power-hitting, and proving himself with consistent quick runs.
FAQ’s
Q1. When was Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad announced?
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially announced the Asia Cup 2025 squad on 20 August 2025.
Q2. Who is the captain of Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad?
The captain for Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 team has been selected based on form and leadership qualities, ensuring strong guidance for the tournament.
Q3. Why was Babar Azam not selected in Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad?
Babar Azam was left out due to the team’s shift towards impact-driven batting and new strategies for future tournaments.
Q4. Which new players are included in Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad?
The squad features several young talents who impressed in domestic and international matches, aiming to bring fresh energy to the team.
Q5. What is the main focus of Pakistan’s squad for Asia Cup 2025?
The main focus is aggressive batting, balanced bowling, and backing in-form players to compete strongly against top Asian teams
