Pakistan will step into the Asia Cup 2025 starting September 9 without Babar Azam
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, a surprising move that has sparked heated debate across the cricketing world.
For nearly a decade, Babar has been Pakistan’s most reliable batter, but head coach Mike Hesson said his strike rate of 129 in T20Is is below today’s standards, and his recurring struggles against spin cost him a place. Despite this, Babar remains Pakistan’s leading T20I run-scorer with over 4,200 runs at an average of nearly 40.
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Selectors are shifting towards a more aggressive batting style. Alongside Babar, Mohammad Rizwan and Naseem Shah have also been dropped, while youngsters like Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, and Fakhar Zaman have been given the nod. Farhan has already impressed with three Player-of-the-Match awards in only six matches.
The decision has split opinion. Mohammad Hafeez supported the change, arguing Pakistan needs match-winners more than anchors. Legendary cricketer Javed Miandad, however, slammed the move, saying the team should have stood by Babar through form fluctuations.
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Fans are divided, some welcoming the bold experiment, others anxious about losing stability at the top.
Pakistan will face arch-rivals India on September 14 in Dubai. The tournament is set to reveal whether this new generation can deliver or if leaving Babar out was a costly mistake.
