Asia Cup 2025- Babar Azam thrown out of Pakistan squad even before inclusion

The Pakistan Cricket Board is set to announce its squad for the upcoming T20I tri-nation series and the Asia Cup 2025. However, there has been no official discussion within the selection committee regarding Babar Azam’s potential return to the national team, despite veteran opener Fakhar Zaman’s injury.

Fakhar has been ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing Caribbean tour after picking up a hamstring injury during the recent T20I series against the West Indies. The left-handed batter missed the final T20I and will not be part of the ODI series, sparking speculation on social media about Babar’s inclusion.

Pakistan Selectors Reluctant to Bring Back Babar Azam Ahead of Asia Cup 2025

According to a report by CricketPakistan.com, Pakistan’s selectors are reluctant to bring back senior players ahead of the Asia Cup. The selection committee has confirmed that no discussion regarding Babar Azam’s inclusion has taken place, and Fakhar Zaman’s availability for the event remains uncertain.

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"Sources within the selection committee have stated that no formal discussion has yet taken place on the matter, and Fakhar’s unavailability for the tournament is not confirmed at this point," the report read.

Babar last featured in a T20I in December 2024. He has had a modest record in the Asia Cup T20 format, scoring just 68 runs in six matches at an average of 11.33. The squad for the upcoming tri-nation series and the Asia Cup is expected to be announced in the second week of August.

Babar Azam Could Return to T20 Squad If Fakhar Zaman Is Unavailable

The report added that Babar Azam could return to the T20 squad if Fakhar Zaman remains unavailable. The selection committee will assess the situation in a review meeting after the West Indies tour.

While the door is not closed on Babar, the board is currently prioritizing a youth-focused team and is cautious about disrupting team dynamics. Babar's inclusion could also place added pressure on current T20I captain Salman Ali Agha.

"According to a PCB official, the door to the T20 squad remains open for Babar, and if Fakhar is not available, his return could be considered," the report added.

PCB Turns Focus to Youth After Disappointing T20 World Cup 2024

Babar Azam has scored just 236 runs in his last 10 T20I matches at an average of 26, without registering a single fifty. He last captained the Pakistan T20I team during the 2024 T20 World Cup. Pakistan had a disappointing campaign, which led the PCB to shift its focus toward developing younger players.

However, some within Pakistan cricket believe that Babar’s experience could be vital in high-pressure matches, especially against India in the Asia Cup.

Salman Ali Agha was appointed as Pakistan’s new T20I captain in November 2024. Although the team lost the series against Australia, he continued to lead in subsequent bilateral series.

Under his leadership, Pakistan have secured series wins against Zimbabwe, Bangladesh (at home), and the West Indies, while suffering losses to New Zealand and in the return tour to Bangladesh. Salman has scored 380 runs, including three fifties, and has taken four wickets in T20Is.

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