Pakistan has omitted Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from its squad for an upcoming triangular series and the Asia Cup, naming a 17-member team for the two T20 tournaments in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday.
Neither Babar nor Rizwan has played a T20 international since facing South Africa in December 2024. In their absence, Pakistan has opted for aggressive batters Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, and Fakhar Zaman.
Head coach Mike Hesson said Babar was advised to work on certain aspects, including his strike rate and handling of spin bowling. Babar is scheduled to play for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League later this year, and Hesson expressed confidence that the batter will be in contention for next year’s T20 World Cup.
Under Hesson’s guidance, Pakistan has won two bilateral T20 series against Bangladesh and the West Indies but also lost one to Bangladesh 2-1. The West Indies also claimed their first bilateral ODI series win against Pakistan in 34 years, with Babar scoring 47, 0, and 9.
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“Currently, our players like Farhan, Ayub, and Zaman have performed exceptionally,” Hesson said. “Babar, however, remains an important player and can prove himself in the BBL to earn a spot in future T20s.”
The triangular series featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and UAE will take place in Sharjah from Aug. 29 to Sept. 7, followed by the Asia Cup in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from Sept. 9 to 28.
Hesson praised Pakistan’s preparations, noting six wins in nine T20s under his tenure, and highlighted new fast bowler Salman Mirza’s impressive performances in Bangladesh. Mirza, along with Mohammad Wasim, is included in both tournament squads.
“From a T20 perspective, this team is progressing well,” Hesson added. “Providing opportunities to different players helps build depth, which is essential for major events like the Asia Cup.”
Squad: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris, Salman Ali Agha (captain), Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed.