Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi has clarified any involvement in dropping Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan from Asia Cup 2025.
The matches are going to take place in United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28.
The duo ultimately failed to make it to the Pakistan squad for the upcoming Asia Cup as the former champions shift their focus to grooming youngsters ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.
Naqvi said, ““First of all, I do not have a one per cent role in selecting or dropping anyone. We have a selection committee and advisory body; they sit together and hold several lengthy meetings [to select the team],” said Naqvi.
“Definitely, if they are selecting a team, so I have full faith in them. They are professional, and I instructed them to make the decisions on merit.
“Rest, whatever the lot was available, we polished them and carried forward, and by the will of Almighty Allah, our strive would be to further explore young talent so that the competition grows.”
Addressing media in Dubai during Pakistan’s preparatory camp ahead of the upcoming fixtures, Shaheen said that “Tomorrow I might not be playing either. It’s not necessary that I ask why I’m not playing. Everyone should get opportunities,” he said.
“Rizwan and Babar are world-class players and have played excellent cricket for Pakistan, and they will play in the future as well,” Shaheen remarked.
“Everyone gets an opportunity, and they should seize those chances. I think the more we support our youngsters, the better. We shouldn’t criticise them, saying, “They are new, they haven’t done anything yet.”
Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (C), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.
