Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad sparks controversy as Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are dropped over strike rate concerns, while captain Agha Salman’s weaker numbers expose glaring hypocrisy in team selection.

Former Pakistan bowler Tanveer Ahmed urged Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to consider retiring if disrespected after Asia Cup snub, citing Virat Kohli.

Pakistan downgrade Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwans central contracts, players also left out of T20 Asia Cup in the UAE that runs from September 9-28 in the UAE; Test captain Shan Masood sees deal drop from band B to band D;

Kamran Akmal had recently asked for Babar Azam to be dropped from all white-ball formats, but made a massive U-turn after the former Pakistan captain was not included in the squad for Asia Cup 2025.

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam is urged to enhance his batting against spin and increase his strike rate for T20 International consideration. Despite being a pivotal figure in other formats, Azam hasn't played a T20I since last year's South Africa tour.

The star duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan continued to remain absent from T20Is as Pakistan announced their Asia Cup squad on Sunday.