3 key reasons why Pakistan’s exclusion of Babar Azam from the Asia Cup 2025 squad is a right call

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The much-awaited Asia Cup 2025 is set to begin on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates, marking the 17th edition of the continental tournament. This year’s competition will feature eight teams vying for supremacy, divided into two groups. The five full members of the Asian Cricket Council, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, will be joined by qualifiers United Arab Emirates, Oman and Hong Kong, setting the stage for a spectacular display of T20 cricket. The tournament is a key tune-up event ahead of the T20 World Cup in 2026.

In a stunning and unprecedented move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled their 17-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025 without a place for former captain Babar Azam. This decision, which also sees the exclusion of long-time partner Mohammad Rizwan, signals a significant strategic shift for the nation’s cricket. Under new head coach Mike Hesson, the team is looking to move away from its traditionally conservative T20 approach and embrace a more aggressive, high-risk, high-reward philosophy. The squad, captained by Salman Ali Agha, is packed with explosive young talent and specialists in power-hitting, reflecting a clear mandate to accelerate from the very first ball, a style where the iconic Babar Azam has often struggled to fit in. This is not a slight on his talent but a bold move to revolutionize Pakistan’s T20 blueprint.

1. Addressing a slower strike rate and inconsistent form

While he has been out of the T20I side since December 2024, his performances in the preceding months were inconsistent. During the T20 World Cup in June 2024, Babar scored 122 runs in four innings with a strike rate of 101.7, a figure well below the standard required for a modern T20 opener. His last T20I appearance was in December 2024 against South Africa, where his scores were 0 off 4 balls and 31 off 20 balls.

Despite these mixed returns, Babar did show flashes of his brilliance in earlier series in 2023. In the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, he scored 213 runs at an average of 42.6 and a healthy strike rate of 142.0. This inconsistency, alternating between periods of high-scoring and a lack of momentum, has been a major reason for the team management’s decision to sideline him in the shortest format. While his overall career T20I average remains a remarkable 39.83, his strike rate of 129.22 has not kept pace with the accelerating demands of the game.

Also READ: Fans react as Pakistan drop Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from Asia Cup 2025 squad

2. The new-look top order is built for aggression

The exclusion of Babar Azam alongside Mohammad Rizwan opens the door for a new, more explosive opening combination. The selectors have prioritized players who have showcased a consistently high strike rate, signaling a clear shift in batting philosophy. Fakhar Zaman, a proven match-winner, and youngsters like Ayub and Farhan are set to take on the responsibility at the top. Farhan, in particular, has been in scintillating form, winning two Player of the Match awards in his six recent appearances against Bangladesh and West Indies, scoring at a strike rate of 144.94 in year 2025. This new quartet, along with wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, who boasts an impressive strike rate of 144.81, offers a clear pathway to an aggressive start, something that was often missing in the past.

3. A bold statement and a push for player development

Pakistan’s decision is also a powerful statement that no player’s spot is guaranteed, regardless of their past performance. This move creates a competitive environment within the squad and encourages all players to consistently evolve their game. Head coach Hesson confirmed that while Babar remains in the long-term plans, he must demonstrate an improved approach to his T20 game in other leagues. “A player like Babar has an opportunity to play in the BBL and show he’s improving in those areas in T20s. He’s simply too good a player for us not to consider,” Hesson stated. This strategy not only pushes Babar to refine his skills but also allows the team to develop a broader and deeper talent pool, ensuring they are not over-reliant on a few individuals, a crucial factor for success in international tournaments.

Also READ: Yashasvi Jaiswal or Shubman Gill – Who will be the reserve opener in India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad?