Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan Remain Out of Pakistan’s T20I Plans

The celebrated duo of Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan are still not in consideration for the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) strategy for the forthcoming T20I tri-nation series featuring Afghanistan and the UAE later this month, as well as the Asia Cup 2025 scheduled for September.

Both batsmen struggled in the recent three-match ODI series against the West Indies, delivering below-par performances. They are yet to be recalled to the T20I format since being dropped from the team in December 2024.

Babar managed 47 runs in the initial match, followed by a duck in the second, and only nine runs in the final game. Rizwan scored 53 in the opening match, 16 in the second, and was dismissed for a duck in the third.

However, there is a potential comeback for two pacers, with Salman Mirza and all-rounder Ahmed Daniyal expected to rejoin the squad for the tri-series.

Both players made a significant impact during the recent three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. Mirza claimed seven wickets in three appearances, while Daniyal took three wickets and added 17 runs in two matches, despite Pakistan losing the series 2-1.

These two will take the place of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, who will be rested to manage their workload but are anticipated to return for the Asia Cup 2025 in September.

The tri-series is scheduled from August 29 to September 7 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE.

This series will be an essential preparatory event for the participating teams before the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup, also taking place in the UAE from September 9 to 28.

The tournament offers a valuable chance for players to adapt to the conditions ahead of the continental competition.

Initially, Pakistan was set to host Afghanistan for a bilateral T20I series in August.

However, the PCB suggested converting it into a tri-nation series and relocating the matches to the UAE to better prepare the teams for the Asia Cup.

The tri-series is set to begin on August 29, with Pakistan facing Afghanistan. The match will commence at 7:00 PM local time.

Each team will compete against the others twice, ensuring that every team plays at least four matches before the top two compete in the final on September 7.