Akram Urges Young Players to Seize Opportunity in Babar’s Absence

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has voiced his disappointment regarding star batsman Babar Azam’s exclusion from the national squad for the upcoming ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9-28.

Azam, currently holding the second position for all-time highest run-scorers in T20Is, has been sidelined in the shortest format since the three-match series against South Africa in December of the previous year.

Ultimately, he was not selected for the Pakistan squad for the approaching Asia Cup as selectors are prioritizing the development of emerging talent in preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next year.

The omission of Babar Azam from the continental tournament has triggered criticism from fans and sparked considerable discussion among cricket analysts following the squad announcement.

Akram acknowledged Babar’s absence from the Pakistan squad for the competition, but emphasized that this presents a valuable chance for the selected young players to demonstrate their capabilities.

“I was personally looking forward to seeing Babar Azam in the team, but now that he’s not part of the selection, it’s a challenge for the players who are in the squad to rise to the occasion,” Akram mentioned to a sports news outlet.

Akram further described the Asia Cup as an exciting event for cricket enthusiasts, and expressed his desire for the resumption of Test matches between Pakistan and India, noting that it would be a momentous occasion.

“This Asia Cup promises to be a treat for cricket fans globally. I also hope that India and Pakistan will resume playing Test series. It has been a considerable time, and it would create an unforgettable experience for fans on both sides,” Akram added.

Notably, the Pakistan squad is presently engaged in a training camp in Dubai for the tri-nation T20I series against Afghanistan and the UAE, which will precede the Asia Cup 2025.

The tri-series is scheduled to commence on August 29 and conclude on September 7, just one day prior to the start of the eight-team continental tournament.

Pakistan Squad for Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025:

Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (C), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.