NO 'Babar-Rizwan' Effect For Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025! How Could This Affect Pakistan's Grand Plans for T20s?

Pakistan have announced their squad for the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE, and the big news revolved around the two of their biggest stars, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, are missing. Salman Agha will lead a 17-member team, which will also play a tri-series against Afghanistan and the UAE before the Asia Cup starts on September 9.

This could be surprising for a big bunch of readers, but it is certainly not a sudden decision. Both Babar and Rizwan were left out of the recent T20 series against Bangladesh and the West Indies. The last time they played a T20 international was back in December 2024. Ever since the T20 World Cup 2024 in South Africa, Babar and Rizwan were under the radar of critics and selectors. Now, their absence in such a big event suggests that Pakistan is seriously moving towards a new style of cricket.

Why Babar-Rizwan Are Out

Once called "the best batter Pakistan have ever produced," Babar had an average Pakistan Super League season with 288 runs at a strike rate of 128.57 for Peshawar Zalmi. Rizwan did better, scoring 367 runs with a century for Multan Sultans. But despite their numbers, the selectors and head coach Mike Hesson feel Pakistan need more aggressive starts in T20 cricket.

Hesson explained that Babar has been asked to improve his strike rate and play spin more positively. He also pointed out that Sahibzada Farhan has already won three Player of the Match awards in just six games, showing the attacking intent Pakistan want from their top order. The message is clear that Pakistan want fast runs from ball one.

Can Pakistan Succeed Without Their Senior Stars

The squad has plenty of firepower. Fakhar Zaman is fit again after his hamstring injury. Shaheen Afridi has returned to the T20 fold. Young players like Salman Mirza and Mohammad Wasim bring energy to both bowling and batting. Wristspinners Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem give variety to the attack.

But the real test will come when Pakistan face India (if it comes to reality) in their opening Asia Cup game on September 10 in Dubai. Babar and Rizwan have been match-winners in many high-pressure clashes, and their absence could be felt if the new top order struggles against quality opposition.

Pakistan have never won the T20 version of the Asia Cup, though they came close in 2022. This year, they are betting on a bold, aggressive approach. If the younger players deliver, Pakistan could finally break their T20 Asia Cup drought. If not, the call to bring back the experienced duo of Babar and Rizwan will only grow stronger.

What Babar brings to the table is something similar to what Kohli brought for India. However, there is a difference in numbers and stats, but Babar provided Pakistan stability in the middle. Pakistan could seriously feel his absence whenever their top order fails. 

Exit of Babar and Rizwan builds up more pressure on Fakhar Zaman and he will play a big role in Pakistan's success in the upcoming T20 Tournament.