Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has openly questioned the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to leave out star batter Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan from the T20I squad, suggesting their presence could have strengthened the team’s batting in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. Speaking at a public event, Afridi highlighted the struggles of Pakistan’s batters, pointing out their inability to consistently hit boundaries and post big scores, which has been a key factor behind the duo’s exclusion.

“If this is the level of cricket we want to play, then Babar should have been there, Rizwan should have been there too. When they are around, they are often taken for granted—this is a recurring problem in Pakistan cricket,” Shahid Afridi said, stressing the importance of having top-class players in high-pressure tournaments.

Afridi also lamented the absence of pace spearhead Naseem Shah, stating that the young fast bowler could have formed a formidable opening combination with Shaheen Shah Afridi in Dubai conditions.

ALSO READ: Irfan Pathan Backs Arshdeep Singh As Key Pick for Asia Cup Final

“I really missed Naseem. Given the conditions, a pairing with Shaheen would have been outstanding. At this level, you need your best bowlers firing in tandem, especially in a final against India,” he added.

Despite the batting concerns, Pakistan’s bowling attack showed resilience in the Super 4 clash against Bangladesh. Defending a modest total of 135, Shaheen Shah Afridi and the pace unit produced a clinical performance, restricting Bangladesh and sealing an 11-run victory.

ALSO READ: 

This win not only highlighted the team’s bowling depth but also set up a high-stakes Asia Cup 2025 final against arch-rivals India. Afridi’s remarks underscore the ongoing debate over Pakistan’s squad choices and the balance between experience and form, especially ahead of crucial encounters where every sector of the team needs to perform at its peak.