Babar Azam Dropped from Asia Cup 2025 Squad | Pakistan Cricket Breaking News

Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan Drops Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan – Shocking Squad Announcement

In a move that has shaken the cricketing world, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its 17-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025, leaving out two of the nation’s biggest cricketing icons – Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. This decision has not only surprised cricket experts but also left millions of fans in disbelief.

📌 Part 1: Squad Announcement and Immediate Reactions

Asia Cup 2025 – Why It Matters

The Asia Cup has always been one of the most prestigious tournaments in Asian cricket. With traditional rivals India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan all competing, the tournament is seen as a major platform to test teams before the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. For Pakistan, the Asia Cup is not just about cricket; it is about pride, dominance in Asia, and proving themselves against arch-rival India.

The Official Squad Announcement

On August 18, 2025, PCB officially announced the squad for the Asia Cup and the upcoming UAE Tri-Nation Series. The biggest talking point immediately was the absence of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Both players, who have carried Pakistan’s batting line-up for nearly half a decade, were suddenly not part of the Asia Cup plan.

“It is time for fresh energy in Pakistan cricket. We are looking towards a long-term vision, experimenting with young talent, and preparing a balanced side for the future.” – PCB Selector’s statement

Fans in Shock – Social Media Explodes

Within minutes of the squad announcement, Twitter (X), Facebook, and Instagram were flooded with reactions. Hashtags like #BringBackBabar and #RizwanMatters started trending worldwide. Pakistani cricket fans expressed anger, sadness, and confusion over the exclusion of their heroes.

Many fans accused the PCB of “politics” in cricket selection, while others believed this could be a move to rebuild the team. Memes, emotional posts, and even petitions started circulating online, demanding the reinstatement of Babar and Rizwan in the playing XI.

Cricket Experts Weigh In

Former cricketers and analysts also expressed their shock. Shoaib Akhtar said in a TV interview that dropping both Babar and Rizwan before such a major tournament is “suicidal” for Pakistan cricket. On the other hand, Ramiz Raja stated that “every champion has a low phase, but throwing them out instead of backing them could backfire.”

Why This Decision Feels Unbelievable

Babar Azam – Pakistan’s highest run-getter in T20s over the last 5 years.
Mohammad Rizwan – Consistently among the ICC top-ranked T20 batsmen.
Both players have been the backbone of Pakistan’s batting order since 2019.
They were also key figures in Pakistan’s success during the 2022 and 2023 T20 World Cups.

Comparisons with Past Controversies

This is not the first time Pakistan cricket has seen controversial selections. From Inzamam-ul-Haq’s captaincy era to Misbah-ul-Haq’s defensive tactics, team selection has often been at the center of heated debates. However, dropping both Babar and Rizwan together feels like one of the most dramatic selection calls in recent history.

Impact on Team Morale

Inside sources suggest that the decision has also caused a stir within the dressing room. Young players, though excited for the opportunity, feel the pressure of replacing giants like Babar and Rizwan. The sudden exclusion may also divide fans’ support during the tournament, with some supporting the new squad while others demanding the return of their stars.

🎥 Watch: Full News Breakdown

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This concludes Part 1 (Squad Announcement & Reactions). In the next section, we will explore the possible reasons behind dropping Babar & Rizwan and what this means for Pakistan’s Asia Cup journey.

Asia Cup 2025: Why Were Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan Dropped? Possible Reasons & Analysis

After the shocking announcement of the Asia Cup 2025 squad, the biggest question being asked in the cricketing world is: Why did Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decide to drop Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan? Both players have been icons of Pakistan cricket in recent years, so their exclusion raises more questions than answers.

📌 Part 2: Exploring the Possible Reasons

1. Decline in Form?

One of the primary arguments given by PCB insiders is that both Babar and Rizwan have not been in their peak form recently. During the last Pakistan Super League (PSL 2025), Babar’s strike rate was heavily criticized, while Rizwan struggled to convert starts into big scores in T20 internationals.

However, critics argue that even out-of-form Babar and Rizwan are far better options than inexperienced youngsters. They point to the fact that almost every top player in the world, including Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson, has gone through dips in form but were always backed by their boards.

2. Team Balance and Experimentation

According to PCB selectors, Pakistan wants to create a more aggressive batting line-up. The management feels that young players like Saim Ayub, Haseebullah Khan, and Omair Yousuf bring the fearless approach required in modern T20 cricket.

This reasoning suggests that the selectors see Asia Cup not just as a competition, but also as a testing ground before the T20 World Cup 2026. By experimenting now, they hope to finalize a squad that can adapt to Australian conditions next year.

3. Fitness Concerns

Another angle being discussed is fitness management. Both players have been playing continuously across formats — Tests, ODIs, T20s, and leagues. PCB insiders claim that the medical panel suggested giving them a break to avoid burnout ahead of the long international season.

Yet, this explanation has not convinced fans. If fitness was the reason, then PCB could have officially announced it instead of quietly dropping them, which has only created unnecessary speculation.

4. Dressing Room Politics?

Pakistan cricket has always been haunted by the shadow of internal politics. Rumors suggest that there were disagreements between Babar and the new team management regarding strategy and leadership roles. Since Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan are being groomed as long-term leaders, the management may have wanted to reduce Babar’s influence inside the dressing room.

Former PCB officials have even hinted that “grouping” inside the team could be the hidden reason behind this bold move.

5. Long-Term Vision – Preparing for the Future

PCB’s official statement emphasized youth development. With the next two years packed with ICC events, selectors believe it is time to trust new players. By removing seniors temporarily, they are pushing youngsters to take responsibility on the big stage.

Supporters of this decision argue that India’s rise in T20 cricket came after they started trusting young IPL stars. Pakistan might be attempting something similar.

📊 Expert Opinions & Media Analysis

Shoaib Akhtar’s View

Shoaib Akhtar blasted the decision on his YouTube channel, calling it “a gamble that could destroy Pakistan’s Asia Cup hopes.” He argued that a tournament like Asia Cup should never be used for experimentation.

Ramiz Raja’s Take

Ramiz Raja, however, offered a balanced view. He said, “Perhaps PCB wants to shock the system. Sometimes tough calls work, sometimes they don’t. But yes, the timing looks very suspicious.”

International Media Coverage

The news has been widely covered in India, England, and Australia. Indian media highlighted the impact this would have on the India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup, with one headline reading: “India will face Pakistan without Babar & Rizwan for the first time in years.”

🤔 What This Means for Pakistan’s Batting Line-Up

Opening Pair: With Rizwan gone, Pakistan may rely on Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman.
Middle Order: Babar’s absence means more responsibility on Iftikhar Ahmed and Azam Khan.
Finishing Power: Newcomers like Omair Yousuf and Usman Khan have to deliver consistently.

This looks exciting on paper, but it also exposes Pakistan’s batting to inconsistency and inexperience. If youngsters fail under pressure, PCB may face huge backlash.

🎥 Watch Expert Reactions

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This concludes Part 2 (Possible Reasons & Analysis). In the final section, we will discuss the future of Babar & Rizwan in Pakistan cricket and the country’s chances in the Asia Cup 2025 without them.

Asia Cup 2025: Future of Babar Azam & Rizwan and Pakistan’s Chances Without Them

With Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan missing from the Asia Cup 2025 squad, the question on every cricket fan’s mind is: What next? Will these two legendary players make a comeback, or is this the beginning of the end of their T20 careers? And most importantly, can Pakistan realistically win the Asia Cup without their most consistent performers?

📌 Part 3: The Road Ahead for Babar, Rizwan, and Pakistan

Babar Azam – Still Pakistan’s Finest Batsman?

Despite being dropped, no one can deny Babar Azam’s achievements. He has been Pakistan’s highest run-scorer in T20 internationals, often compared with Virat Kohli for his consistency. At just 30 years of age, Babar is far from finished.

Cricket experts believe that this exclusion might be temporary. PCB could bring him back for the T20 World Cup 2026, especially if young players fail to perform under Asia Cup pressure. Babar himself has not given any retirement hints; instead, he shared a cryptic message on social media: “Every setback is a setup for a stronger comeback.”

Mohammad Rizwan – The Fighter

Rizwan has built his career on resilience. From being dropped in early years to becoming the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year (2021), Rizwan has shown that he thrives under pressure. His absence from the Asia Cup is a shock, but his work ethic suggests he will fight his way back.

Rizwan’s role as an opener and wicketkeeper is hard to replace. Unless a new player consistently performs in both roles, selectors may be forced to recall him soon.

Can Pakistan Win Asia Cup Without Them?

This is the million-dollar question. On paper, Pakistan still has match-winners like Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, and Iftikhar Ahmed. But losing the stability of Babar and Rizwan could be Pakistan’s biggest weakness.

When Pakistan faces India, the pressure is enormous. Historically, it was Babar and Rizwan who anchored those high-pressure chases. Without them, Pakistan may rely on raw talent – which is exciting but risky.

Possible Scenarios in Asia Cup 2025

Best Case: Young players shine, Pakistan reaches final, and selectors justify their bold call.
Average Case: Pakistan struggles in batting, reaches semi-final but falls short due to inexperience.
Worst Case: Pakistan crashes out early, leading to public outrage and calls for Babar & Rizwan’s immediate comeback.

🔮 Future of Pakistan Cricket – Transition or Turmoil?

Pakistan cricket often swings between extremes. Either the bold decisions create a golden era, or they lead to chaos and blame games. The exclusion of two of the most senior batsmen right before Asia Cup 2025 will either be remembered as a masterstroke or a historic blunder.

What Do Fans Want?

Fan polls on social media clearly show that a majority still back Babar and Rizwan. They believe both should be in the XI against India, no matter what. If Pakistan loses badly in the Asia Cup, pressure from fans and media will almost certainly force PCB to recall them.

What About Their ODI and Test Careers?

PCB has only excluded them from the Asia Cup (T20 format). There is no official word on their ODI and Test future. Given Babar’s role in ODIs and Rizwan’s fighting spirit in Tests, it is likely that both will continue in the other formats. T20 exclusion might be short-term, depending on Asia Cup results.

📺 Watch: Can Pakistan Survive Without Babar & Rizwan?

📝 Conclusion

The decision to drop Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan ahead of Asia Cup 2025 will remain one of the boldest moves in Pakistan cricket history. While PCB claims it is about youth and long-term planning, the real test will be the team’s performance in the tournament.

If Pakistan does well, selectors will be praised for their vision. But if they fail, it could be the beginning of a crisis – forcing an emergency recall of Babar and Rizwan.

❓ FAQs

Will Babar Azam play in the T20 World Cup 2026?

Most likely yes. Unless his form dips further, Babar will almost certainly return before the ICC event.

Is Mohammad Rizwan retired from T20s?

No, Rizwan has not retired. His exclusion is a selection call, not retirement.

Who will open for Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025?

Reports suggest Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub will be the first-choice opening pair.

Could internal politics be the real reason?

While unconfirmed, many insiders hint at dressing-room politics playing a role in this decision.

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This concludes Part 3 and the full 3-part coverage of Asia Cup 2025 Pakistan squad controversy. Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament unfolds.

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