Why Was Babar Excluded from the Asia Cup Squad?
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Synopsis
In a surprising move, Pakistan's cricket head coach Mike Hesson revealed that former captain Babar Azam's exclusion from the Asia Cup squad was due to his need to improve his strike rate. This article delves into the implications of this decision and what lies ahead for Babar in his cricketing journey.
Key Takeaways
- Babar Azam needs to enhance his strike rate to regain his place in the team.
- Former captain's omission reflects the team's current performance strategy.
- Upcoming tournaments include a T20I tri-series and the Asia Cup.
- Pakistan's squad will face tough competition, particularly against India.
- Focus on player development is critical for the team's success.
Lahore, Aug 17 (NationPress) Pakistan's head coach Mike Hesson has indicated that former captain Babar Azam needs to enhance his strike rate after being left out of the Asia Cup squad. Babar isn't alone in his exclusion; wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has also been omitted from both the T20I tri-series and the tournament in the UAE. Notably, neither player has participated in a T20I match for Pakistan since December of the previous year.
Despite the controversy surrounding Babar's absence from the T20I format, Hesson has addressed the situation, emphasizing that Babar must adopt a more aggressive scoring approach to regain his place in the team. "I believe it’s quite unfair to evaluate a player's performance based on just three games," he stated during a press briefing. "Babar performed well in the first ODI but didn’t shine in the subsequent matches. There’s no doubt that Babar has been prompted to improve in certain areas, particularly in handling spin and boosting his strike rate. He is diligently working on these aspects.
“Currently, the players we have are performing exceptionally. Sahibzada Farhan has participated in six matches, earning three Player of the Match awards,” he added.
Babar is expected to play for the Adelaide Strikers in the upcoming Big Bash League, which Hesson regards as a significant opportunity for Babar to demonstrate his improvements in T20 cricket. "A talented player like Babar has a chance to showcase his development in the BBL. He is simply too skilled to overlook," Hesson remarked.
Shaheen Afridi, who recently faced criticism in T20s, has maintained his position for both the tri-series and the Asia Cup. In contrast, Naseem Shah has been excluded again, despite his participation in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
As the Asia Cup approaches, the Salman Ali Agha-led team will engage in a T20I tri-series against Afghanistan and the UAE at Sharjah Cricket Stadium from August 29 to September 7.
The eight-team Asia Cup, formatted as T20Is, will unfold in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from September 9 to 28. Pakistan is placed in Group ‘A’ with India, Oman, and UAE, beginning their journey against Oman on September 12, followed by a highly anticipated match against archrivals India on September 14.
Point of View
Babar Azam's exclusion from the Asia Cup squad raises questions about the team strategy and player performance. While it is essential for players to evolve, the decision reflects a broader trend of evaluating talent critically. The cricket community will closely watch how Babar responds to this challenge.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Babar Azam excluded from the squad?
Babar Azam was excluded from the Asia Cup squad due to a request from the coaching staff for him to improve his strike rate and adopt a more aggressive scoring style.
Who else was left out of the Asia Cup squad?
Alongside Babar Azam, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has also been omitted from both the T20I tri-series and the Asia Cup.
What are the upcoming tournaments for Pakistan's cricket team?
Pakistan's cricket team will participate in a T20I tri-series against Afghanistan and the UAE before competing in the Asia Cup, which will be held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
