Babar Azam, Rizwan Dropped from Pakistan Squad Over Poor Form

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a 17-member national squad for the upcoming tri-nation T20 series and the Asia Cup, marking a significant shift in team composition.

The announcement was made on Sunday during a press conference in Lahore, where head coach Mike Hesson and chief selector Aqib Javed shared the details of the selected players.

In a major surprise, star players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been excluded from the squad, marking the first time in years that both cricketers will miss a major international tournament.

All-rounder Salman Ali Agha has been appointed captain and will lead the national side in a major event for the first time. The team is a blend of experience and youth, aimed at injecting fresh energy and talent into the squad.

Full Squad:

Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hassan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (Wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Safyan Muqim.

Read more: PCB suspends batter Haider Ali after rape allegations during England tour

According to the selection committee, the team was chosen with a strategy to test new combinations and provide opportunities to emerging players while maintaining a core of experienced cricketers.

The absence of Babar and Rizwan has sparked discussion among fans and analysts alike, as the PCB signals a possible transition phase in preparation for future tournaments.