Shaheen Shah Afridi subtly takes a dig at PCB over snub of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan

Pakistan Cricket Team pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi shared his take on Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan getting dropped for the Asia Cup 2025. He said that both are quality players and he is confident that both will soon play T20Is.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) surprised many when they announced the Pakistan squad for the Asia Cup 2025. Both the legends in Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were dropped from the side, and it raised a lot of eyebrows.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been among the main reasons behind Pakistan's success in the T20Is. But a few bad series made PCB  move on from them and pick youngsters in the team under the leadership of Salman Ali Agha in the Asia Cup 2025.

Both batters were important members of the Pakistan lineup in the T20Is. They did the bulk of the scoring and helped their team win many games. However, their not being picked made many fans criticise the PCB, especially with games against India there as well.

I believe everyone should get the opportunity - Shaheen Afridi on Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan's snub

Reacting to their omission, Shaheen Afridi said that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are class players and have done well. While saying that everyone should get an opportunity, he said that he is sure that both will be back. Speaking to reporters, he said:

“I believe everyone should get the opportunity. Babar and Rizwan are world-class players, and they played pretty good cricket for Pakistan and by the will of Almighty Allah, will play again. But again, everyone should get the opportunity, and they should grab it with both hands. They are our youngsters as well, so we should back them.”

There have been some reports which claimed that Pakistan will be making some changes to their squad for the tournament. Some even claimed that Babar Azam might get a wildcard entry in the team.