Pakistan Spring Major Surprise: Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan Left Out of Asia Cup Squad

Pakistan made a big call ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE by leaving out star batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from their 17-member squad. The decision surprised many fans, as both players have been key to Pakistan’s success in recent years.

The team will be led by Salman Ali Agha, with senior players like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Fakhar Zaman included. The selectors have also given chances to young talents such as Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz, and wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris, aiming to add more aggression at the top of the order.

While no official reason was given, the move is seen as part of a strategy to test fresh players and reduce the heavy workload on Babar and Rizwan. Some experts have praised the bold approach, while others feel Pakistan may struggle without their most reliable batters.

The Asia Cup begins on September 9 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and all eyes will be on how Pakistan’s new-look side performs in the absence of its two biggest stars.