SHARJAH: Pakistan’s star left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has broken his silence on the exclusion of senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the squad for the upcoming ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, scheduled from September 9 to 28.
Both Babar and Rizwan, who have been Pakistan’s batting mainstays since the T20 World Cup 2021, were left out of the squad as selectors decided to focus on grooming young talent ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Their absence sparked criticism from fans and cricket analysts, but Shaheen backed the decision, highlighting the importance of giving youngsters opportunities.
“I won’t be here either in the future. Everyone should get the opportunity,” said Shaheen.
“Babar and Rizwan are world-class players. They played great cricket for Pakistan and, Insha’Allah, they will play again. But our youngsters also deserve chances, and we should support them.”
Shaheen’s comments came during Pakistan’s training camp at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, ahead of the tri-nation T20I series against Afghanistan and hosts UAE from August 29 to September 7, just before the Asia Cup.
The Asia Cup 2025 will feature eight teams, with Pakistan eyeing a strong campaign despite missing two of their most experienced players.
