When the Pakistan Cricket Board tried to add Babar Azam to the squad for the Asia Cup 2025United Arab Emirates final on 28 September 2025, the tournament officials shut the request down, saying the regulations only allow a replacement if a player is injured. The decision sparked a firestorm, because Javed Miandad and Wasim Akram both took to the camera to lambast the selectors.
Background: Asia Cup 2025 and Pakistan's Campaign
Hosted in the glittering venues of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the Asia Cup 2025 has been a roller‑coaster for Pakistan. The side lost to India twice – once in the group stage and again in the Super‑4 – before finding a sliver of hope in the last‑chance qualifier. The final, set for 28 September, offers a chance to break a 13‑year title drought. Yet the squad that arrived in the UAE is markedly younger, with Salman Ali Agha handed the captaincy and only a handful of senior players making the bench.
Selection Controversy and the Babar Azam Omission
On 20 September, PCB officials submitted paperwork to the Asian Cricket Council asking for Babar Azam to be swapped in for an injured bowler. The request was denied on the grounds that no squad member was listed as ‘injured’. PCB’s rationale, leaked to local media, was that the board wanted a heavier batting line‑up after two low‑scoring games.
What makes the episode puzzling is the statistic that many fans cite: Babar’s strike rate in T20 internationals has dipped to 119 over the last 12 matches, well below his career average of 137. Critics argue that the drop alone justifies his exclusion, while supporters point out that his consistency and ability to anchor chases remain unmatched.
Meanwhile, the board also left out Mohammad Rizwan, the opposite‑end wicket‑keeper batsman who, like Babar, sits atop Pakistan’s run‑scoring list. Both players have been the top‑two run‑makers for Pakistan in T20 internationals this year, but the selectors claimed the younger squad needed “more aggressive strike‑rates”.
Voices of Former Legends: Miandad and Akram Speak Out
Former great Javed Miandad posted a video that quickly went viral. “They don’t even know what they’re doing,” he said, his tone a mixture of disbelief and frustration. “Babar is a great player – you can’t just drop him because of a few slow innings. Cricket is like a radio; you have to stay tuned to the right station.”
In a later interview with Telecom Asia Sport, Wasim Akram echoed the sentiment. “If I had any authority, I would never have dropped Babar from the T20 side. We have an Asia Cup, a World Cup coming up – a senior batsman is essential. He’s the kind of player who can guide the younger lads when the pressure builds.”
Akram also reminded viewers of Babar’s heroics in the 2019 T20 Blast, where he scored at a strike rate of roughly 150 and finished as the joint top scorer with Tom Banton. “Those are the moments you need in a big tournament,” he added.
Implications for Pakistan's T20 Future
The selection row has wider ramifications. By sidelining the two most prolific run‑makers, PCB effectively signals a shift toward a “youth‑first” policy. The gamble could pay off if the youngsters find form, but history suggests that experience often decides tight knockout games.
Analyst Ayesha Khan of the Sports Analytics Institute notes, “Pakistan’s batting average in the last ten T20 internationals is 24.7. Removing Babar – whose career average sits above 35 – could lower that metric further. The board may be betting on raw power, but power without situational awareness can backfire.”
Moreover, the decision has ignited a debate about the transparency of selection criteria. Fans on social media are demanding a clear formula, while former players argue that the board should involve senior cricketers in the decision‑making process.
What Lies Ahead: Upcoming Fixtures and Squad Outlook
Pakistan’s next match is the Asia Cup final against India on 28 September, a high‑stakes showdown that could set the tone for the 2026 T20 World Cup qualifiers. Should the younger lineup falter, the criticism will intensify, possibly prompting PCB to revisit its strategy.
Regardless of the outcome, the controversy has already left a mark. The board’s handling of the Babar Azam case will likely be dissected in post‑tournament reviews, and the voices of Miandad and Akram suggest that former players are ready to intervene if they feel the national side’s competitiveness is at risk.
- Asia Cup final: 28 September 2025, Dubai, UAE.
- Pakistan’s squad: 18 players, led by Salman Ali Agha.
- Key omissions: Babar Azam (strike rate 119), Mohammad Rizwan.
- Former legends speaking out: Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram.
- Board’s stance: prioritize youth and higher strike rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Babar Azam left out of the final squad?
PCB said his recent T20 strike rate of 119 was below the threshold they set for the tournament, and they wanted a line‑up with higher scoring rates. Critics argue the decision ignored his overall consistency and experience.
What rule prevented the last‑minute change?
The Asian Cricket Council’s regulation states that a replacement can only be made if a player listed in the original squad is officially ruled out due to injury. Since no Pakistani player was injured, the request was denied.
How did former players react?
Both Javed Miandad and Wasim Akram publicly criticised the selectors, calling the move “short‑sighted” and saying a senior batsman like Babar is essential for big matches, especially with the World Cup on the horizon.
What are the chances Pakistan can still win the final?
Analysts warn that the lack of experience could be costly, but the youthful side boasts raw power. If the younger batsmen adapt quickly and the bowlers perform, an upset is possible, though statistical models favor India.
What might PCB do after the tournament?
A post‑tournament review is expected. If the team underperforms, PCB could face pressure to reintegrate seasoned players like Babar Azam and Rizwan and to make the selection process more transparent.
