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Pakistan Head Coach Reveals Why Babar Azam Was Dropped From Asia Cup Squad

Debashis Sarangi

Babar Azam has been sidelined for Asia Cup [Source: AFP]Babar Azam has been sidelined for Asia Cup [Source: AFP]

In a significant development, the PCB announced Pakistan's squad for the Asia Cup 2025. However, veteran batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan failed to make it into the final 17-member team for the marquee event. 

Considering the stature of both these players, particularly Babar Azam, his exclusion from the Asia Cup team surprised fans and experts. However, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson revealed the exact reasons why Babar was sidelined from the team in the press conference after the squad selection. 

Mike Hesson Discloses Why Babar Was Ignored For The Asia Cup

Speaking to the media, Hesson revealed that it was a tough decision for the management to exclude a player of Babar's calibre from Pakistan's Asia Cup squad. However, he also stated that the batter has been informed about the selectors' decision, with the team requiring him to improve his strike rate and game against spin bowling. 

He further went on to clarify that Babar still has a chance to make a comeback into Pakistan's T20I squad if he registers incredible numbers in the upcoming Big Bash League season. 

"Babar Azam has an opportunity to play in the BBL and show that he's improving in the areas needed in T20Is. He's too good a player for us not to consider. There's no doubt that Babar Azam has been asked to improve in some areas, particularly against spin and in terms of strike rate. He's working hard to improve. If Babar and Rizwan perform like the other players, then they will definitely play." Hesson said. 

Babar Azam has had an impressive T20I career, amassing 4223 runs at an average of 39.8 and a strike rate of 129.2. However, his middling returns since last year's T20 World Cup forced Pakistan to sideline him from their plans. Although he was reported to make a return in place of the injured Fakhar Zaman, the latter's timely recovery shut the doors for him.