WEBDESK: Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur has expressed surprise at the absence of star batsman Babar Azam from the Asia Cup 2025 squad.
In a statement, Arthur said he could not understand why Babar was not included. “A player of Babar’s class is vital for any major tournament,” he remarked.
Babar is not the only senior player missing from the squad. Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan and fast bowler Naseem Shah were also left out. The team is currently being led by Agha Salman.
Despite the absence of big names, Pakistan secured their place in the Super Four stage after defeating the United Arab Emirates by 41 runs in their 10th match of the tournament.
Pakistan and India, both from Group A, have now qualified for the next round. The two arch-rivals will face each other again on Sunday, 21 September. India still have one group match left to play, against Oman.
In Group B, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are tied on four points each, while Afghanistan sit third with two points but a better run rate. If Afghanistan beat Sri Lanka, all three teams will be level on points, and net run rate will decide which two sides advance to the Super Four.
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