Left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi shared his thoughts on the absence of senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, scheduled from September 9 to 28. Babar and Rizwan, who had featured in every multi-nation tournament for Pakistan since the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE, were left out of the shortest format following the three-match away series against South Africa in December last year. The duo did not make it to the Pakistan squad for the upcoming Asia Cup as the former champions focus on grooming young talent ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup. Their omission from the continental tournament drew strong reactions from fans and former cricketers. However, Shaheen emphasized the importance of backing the youngsters while recognizing Babar and Rizwan as “world-class players.” “I may not be here in the future either. I believe everyone should get a chance,” Shaheen said. “Babar and Rizwan are world-class players and have represented Pakistan brilliantly. By the will of Almighty Allah, they will play again. “But again, everyone deserves an opportunity, and they should make the most of it. These are our youngsters as well, and we should support them. They are our players too, and we should help them progress.” Shaheen’s remarks came on the sidelines of the national men’s team’s training session at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium here for the tri-nation T20I series against Afghanistan and hosts UAE, which will precede the Asia Cup 2025. The series will get underway on August 29 and will conclude on September 7, just a day before the commencement of the eight-team continental event. Pakistan squad for Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025: Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (C), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.
Shaheen Opens Up About Possible Future Exclusion Post Babar-Rizwan Incident
