Pakistan's Senior Players Excluded from Upcoming T20 Series

In a significant move, Pakistan's national selectors have decided to leave out senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi from the upcoming T20 series against West Indies and Bangladesh. This decision aims to prioritize the development of younger talent ahead of a busy international schedule. The team is set to tour the West Indies for three T20Is and three ODIs, followed by a series in Bangladesh. Additionally, Pakistan will face Afghanistan in a T20 series later in August, serving as preparation for the Asia Cup and ICC T20 World Cup. The selectors are keen to provide opportunities for younger players, indicating a strategic shift in team composition.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 13, 2025, 07:55 IST

Senior Players Omitted from T20I Squad

The national selectors of Pakistan have made the decision to exclude prominent players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi from the forthcoming T20 International series against West Indies and Bangladesh. This move reflects a strategic shift towards fostering younger talent ahead of a packed international calendar.

Trio Not Participating in T20 Matches

Sources close to the selection committee reveal that the four-member panel, which includes Aaqib Javed, Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali, and Asad Shafiq, along with head coach Mike Hesson, has communicated to the experienced trio that their participation will not be required for the upcoming T20 matches. The focus is now on the ICC World Test Championship and One Day Internationals, where their experience is deemed crucial.

Upcoming Tours and Squad Announcement

Pakistan's cricket team is scheduled to visit the West Indies in late July for a series comprising three T20 Internationals and three ODIs. Following this, they will head to Bangladesh for a T20 series, initially planned for three matches, but discussions are underway to extend it to five matches in August.

Preparations for Afghanistan Series and Asia Cup

In addition to the tours of Bangladesh and the West Indies, Pakistan is set to face Afghanistan in a T20 series later in August. These matches are seen as essential preparation for the Asia Cup, which is expected to take place in September, as well as the ICC T20 World Cup scheduled for early next year.

Selectors Focused on Young Talent

A source from the selection panel indicated that selectors and coach Hesson are eager to provide opportunities for younger players in the T20 format. The decision to exclude senior players is strategic rather than performance-based, aimed at enhancing squad depth.

Continued Exclusion of Senior Players from T20s

This exclusion of Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen from the T20 squad is not unprecedented. Babar has previously been omitted from several recent T20 series, including those against New Zealand, Bangladesh, Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. This latest decision appears to be a continuation of that trend, signaling a deliberate long-term strategy by the team management.