Babar Azam, Naseem Shah Pull Out Of National T20 Cup: Reports

Anurag Dasgupta

Pakistan stars pull out of T20 Cup [Source: AP Photo]Pakistan stars pull out of T20 Cup [Source: AP Photo]

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In the latest development, Pakistan's star players, Babar Azam and Naseem Shah have reportedly pulled out of the National T20 Cup, which is the domestic competition in Pakistan and will not feature in the tournament this year. Earlier reports added that the duo will participate, but now, the two stars have taken a U-turn.

Babar, Naseem withdraw from domestic competition

Interestingly, both Babar and Naseem were dropped from the T20I team for the series against New Zealand and the T20 domestic Cup provided them with an opportunity to get back into the side.

The report adds that the two pulled out of the competition due to the busy schedule that lies ahead, considering that Pakistan will play against the Kiwis in the ODIs, and then they'll play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), starting next month.

Babar scored truckloads of runs for Pakistan in the T20Is last year, but his strike-rate was a major cause of concern and as per reports, this was the reason the star player was omitted from the squad.

Rizwan also unlikely to play in National T20 Cup

Just like Babar and Naseem, Mohammad Rizwan was also dropped from the T20I team and the captaincy was given to Agha Salman. There were rumours that he, too, will play in the National T20 Cup, but his name is also not on the list as the trio misses out on a great opportunity to get some runs under their belt.

Interestingly, the trio were included in the ODI squad for the series against the Kiwis and the series will give them a chance to stamp their authority in white-ball cricket.