Pakistan coach Mike Hesson reveals why Babar Azam was left out of Asia Cup 2025 squad

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Pakistan’s squad announcement for the Asia Cup 2025 has created a stir among fans and experts alike. On Sunday, the selectors left out stalwarts Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the 17-member team that will first play a triangular T20I series in Sharjah before heading into the Asia Cup in the UAE.

The decision marks a clear shift in strategy, with the management choosing explosive batters such as Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, and Fakhar Zaman to lead the charge at the top of the order. For a team often accused of starting too cautiously in T20Is, the message seems loud and clear: intent matters.

Addressing the inevitable question on Babar’s omission, head coach Mike Hesson admitted that while the former captain remains one of Pakistan’s finest players, the coaching staff has set him specific challenges to work on.

“There’s no doubt Babar has been asked to improve in some areas, particularly against spin and in terms of his strike-rate. He’s working extremely hard on those aspects, and we believe he’ll come back stronger,” Hesson told reporters.

The coach’s remarks underline that the door is far from shut. Instead, it appears to be a carefully calculated move to push Babar out of his comfort zone.

Also READ: Pakistan announces squad for Asia Cup 2025; no place for Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan

Babar’s next big test will come in Australia later this year when he turns out for Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League. Hesson sees this stint as more than just another overseas assignment — he considers it a proving ground.

“A player like Babar has the chance to play in the BBL and show the improvements we’re looking for in T20 cricket. He’s too good a player to be ignored for long,” added Hesson.

Pakistan will begin their campaign with the triangular series against Afghanistan and UAE in Sharjah (August 29 – September 7), followed by the Asia Cup in Dubai and Abu Dhabi (September 9 – 28).

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