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Rizwan, Naseem Deliver In CPL: Asia Cup 2025 Snub Mistake Or Masterclass By Pakistan

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Mohammad Rizwan and Naseem Shah [Source: @cricketroom_, @Shehrya456456/x.com]Mohammad Rizwan and Naseem Shah [Source: @cricketroom_, @Shehrya456456/x.com]

Pakistan cricket team has always been a point of discussion within the fraternity. Their recent squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 became the talk of the town because of the signal they sent. 

The selectors excluded the likes of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Naseem Shah from the squad, and as far as reading between the lines is concerned, it somehow tells that these players might not be in the immediate plans of the Pakistan management for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.

In the latest game of the CPL 2025, two of these three players displayed brilliance. Playing for the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, Mohammad Rizwan and Naseem Shah demonstrated good form in their respective roles, although their efforts ultimately resulted in a loss. This brings us to the question of whether Pakistan have made a mistake by not including these players in the Asia Cup 2025 squad and whether they should think about them for the T20 WC.

Revelation From Recent Performance

Rizwan's Case For T20Is

Notably, Mohammad Rizwan played an impressive knock of 60 runs from 41 deliveries, while Naseem Shah picked up two wickets for 35 runs in four overs in the 15th match of CPL. These numbers look more than decent for modern T20 standards, but that is until the context of the performances is added.

The pitch at the Darren Sammy stadium has been brilliant for batting, and Andre Fletcher gave the Patriots a good start. Rizwan came out with intent and had 10 runs under his belt in the first three balls. But then stagnancy struck the Patriots.

While Kyle Mayers was equally responsible for the slowing down of the Patriots, the fact that Rizwan mostly looked to play it safe cannot be ignored. His approach, in turn, suggests that the Pakistan management overlooked their current ODI skipper due to a lack of intent.

Naseem's Case For A Spot In Pakistan Side

Naseem Shah, on the other hand, has a better case. He bowled well under pressure and picked up the wicket of two set batters, and that too in the middle phase. Infact, in some of the games he has contributed with the bat lower down the order.

However, there has been a lack of consistency with his main trade. While in some matches, he has looked brilliant, in others, he has failed to maintain discipline.

Pakistan's Progressive Vision

The Pakistani management is not dismissing experienced carelessly. It appears that they are trying to adapt to the evolution of T20 cricket. 

While they are looking for players who can keep the scoring rate ahead of the game in the batting department, they are searching for more all-around bowlers in their squad. While Rizwan and Naseem looked good in their latest outing, they might still be falling short of the modern T20 standards that Pakistan are looking for.

Conclusion

Mohammad Rizwan has massive experience and would have been a valuable addition to their side. The same goes for Naseem Shah, as he has potential, talent and experience on his side. However, from the Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 squad, one can discern that they are striving to evolve according to the modern standards of T20 cricket. For these two players, they have yet to reach the benchmark, and the call from Pakistan looks promising and can yield good returns in the long term.