Babar and Shaheen: Babar and Rizwan have been out of Pakistan’s T29 team for a long time
Pakistan Cricket Board selectors have decided not to include senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi for the upcoming T20 series against West Indies and Bangladesh. Selectors Aaqib Javed, Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq may announce the T20 team for these series next week. This series will be played in July-August 2025.
Focus on Tests and ODIs
Head coach Mike Hesson and the selectors have made it clear to Babar, Rizwan and Shaheen that their services will not be taken for the T20 series. They have been advised to focus on the ICC World Test Championship and ODI format. This decision has been taken with the aim of giving opportunities to young players and strengthening future preparations.
Schedule of the upcoming series
The Pakistan team will tour the West Indies in late July, where three T20s and three ODIs will be played. This will be followed by a three-match T20 series in Bangladesh in August, which is proposed to be made a five-match series. Apart from this, Pakistan will also host Afghanistan’s T20 team in late August. All these series are part of preparations for the Asia Cup in September (which is yet to be confirmed) and the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026.
Emphasis on young talent
A source close to the selectors said that the selection panel and coach Mike Hesson want to give more opportunities to young players in the T20 team. The source said, “The plan is to test the ability of new players by giving them a chance. If things do not go well, the selectors can include Babar, Rizwan and Shaheen in the team again.” This strategy is a step towards building a strong foundation for the future.
Fans’ curiosity
This decision has become a topic of discussion among Pakistani cricket fans. While some fans are disappointed with the absence of senior players, the opportunity given to young players has also raised hopes of the emergence of new stars. This series can play an important role in shaping the future of Pakistan’s T20 team.
