The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its squad for the much-awaited Asia Cup 2025, and the selection has already sent shockwaves across the cricketing world. In a move that few predicted, two of Pakistan’s most senior and consistent performers — Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan — have been left out of the 15-member squad. Instead, the selectors have opted for a fresh leadership face, signalling the beginning of a new era for Pakistan cricket.
Babar and Rizwan’s Omission Raises Eyebrows
For years, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been the backbone of Pakistan’s batting line-up. Babar’s elegant stroke play and Rizwan’s consistency as both a wicketkeeper-batter and an anchor in limited-overs cricket made them indispensable. However, their recent form in international cricket and growing criticism over a “conservative” batting approach seems to have played a big role in their exclusion.
According to PCB sources, the selectors were keen on restructuring the batting order with a more aggressive, fearless approach, particularly with the T20 World Cup and ICC Champions Trophy also on the horizon. This decision, though controversial, highlights Pakistan’s intent to prepare a squad better suited to modern, high-strike-rate cricket.
The New Captain: Shadab Khan
The captaincy baton has been handed to Shadab Khan, Pakistan’s dynamic all-rounder. Known for his sharp leg-spin, agile fielding, and aggressive batting down the order, Shadab represents the new brand of cricket the management is trying to embrace.
PCB Chairman stated during the announcement:
“Shadab Khan has shown maturity, tactical awareness, and the ability to inspire younger players. His energy on the field reflects the direction we want Pakistan cricket to head towards.”
This makes Shadab one of the youngest captains in Asia Cup history, and expectations will be immense as he takes charge in a high-pressure tournament.
Key Inclusions in the Squad
With senior players missing, Pakistan’s squad features several fresh faces and emerging stars. Some notable inclusions are:
- Saim Ayub – The left-handed opener, known for his attacking starts in the powerplay, will be crucial to Pakistan’s new batting template.
- Abrar Ahmed – The mystery spinner who has impressed in Tests and domestic cricket gets his chance in the limited-overs format.
- Azam Khan – The hard-hitting middle-order batter and wicketkeeper has been backed for his big-hitting ability, something Pakistan has often lacked.
- Naseem Shah & Shaheen Afridi – The pace duo remain the spearheads of Pakistan’s bowling attack, expected to trouble opposition batters with swing and pace.
The Road Ahead
While the omissions of Babar and Rizwan will dominate headlines, Pakistan’s revamped squad highlights a bold, forward-looking strategy. The Asia Cup will serve as the perfect testing ground for this new core of players under Shadab Khan’s captaincy.
The big question, however, is whether this gamble will pay off. Can Pakistan’s youngsters handle the pressure of a continental tournament without the steadying presence of their senior-most batters? Or will the absence of proven performers haunt them when the stakes rise?
The Asia Cup 2025 squad announcement marks a turning point in Pakistan cricket. By leaving out Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, the selectors have made it clear they are prioritizing a fearless approach over reputations. With Shadab Khan at the helm and a host of fresh faces in the mix, Pakistan’s campaign will be watched closely — not just by fans, but also by cricketing pundits across the world.
The Asia Cup has always been about rivalries, passion, and surprises. Pakistan has already delivered the first one — and the tournament hasn’t even begun.