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| Shaheen Afridi urges support for youngsters as Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are dropped from Pakistan’s Asia Cup squad in a bold generational shift. |
SHARJAH: Left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi on Friday spoke about the absence of senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to take place from September 9 to 28.
In cricket, moments of upheaval often pave the way for transformation. With both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan unexpectedly omitted from Pakistan’s Asia Cup squad, left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi offered not only understanding but a rallying cry that could define a new chapter in Pakistan cricket.
Imagine the shock. Babar and Rizwan, among the most reliable performers since 2021, were suddenly absent from the 17-member T20I squad set to compete in Sharjah and the UAE from late September. It marked a strategic pivot by selectors toward aggressive batting—with Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Sahibzada Farhan ready to fill the breach—all under the leadership of Salman Ali Agha.
Naturally, fans reacted sharply. Voices of nostalgia and concern echoed across social media. Legendary voices like Javed Miandad questioned the move with acerbic wit, while others doubted whether sacrificing experience for firepower was wise.
But amid that storm, Shaheen’s words brought calm. At a Sharjah training camp preceding the tri-nation T20I series (Pakistan, UAE, Afghanistan), he said something few expected: “I believe everyone should get the opportunity.” He acknowledged Babar and Rizwan as “world-class players” who had served Pakistan with distinction and would likely return to the fold—by “the will of Almighty Allah”—but emphasized that newcomers deserve a chance too.
He didn’t stop there. Shaheen, known for his fiery bowling, added a personal touch that humanized the moment: “I won’t be here either in the future.” These aren’t carefully chosen words—they are truth, acknowledging his own eventual replacement, and a belief that cricket must evolve.
This isn’t the end of Babar and Rizwan’s stories—far from it. While they’ll watch from the outside now, both batters remain determined. Babar went to nets instantly after being dropped, working hard to earn his spot back. Rizwan has faced criticism and even ridicule following a poor CPL dismissal, with cruel taunts urging he “quit cricket and become a cleric.” Yet Shaheen’s defense reminds us of their value—not just as legends, but as humans deserving empathy.
As critics vocally debated, others supported. Former cricketer Aqib Javed backed the reshuffled squad and confidently said this team “can beat India in Asia Cup,” reinforcing that strategy changes carry potential, not just controversy. The board’s shift away from veterans is matched across cricket—India has long moved on from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s T20 careers. Pakistan may simply be making its own generational leap, too.
Shaheen’s emphasis on backing young players is more than just spin—it touches on trust, teamwork, and the cycle of sport. His words serve as a soft bridge between two eras: where stars like Babar and Rizwan dominated, and where new faces such as Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan seek to rise. Despite fans’ frustration, there is method behind this boldness: selectors, guided by coach Mike Hesson, want more aggressive batting—something they felt the current titles were missing.
The upcoming Asia Cup campaign begins on September 12 against Oman in Dubai, with a marquee clash versus India two days later. For Pakistan, it’s not just about match strategy—it’s about shaping tomorrow’s stars today. Shaheen’s appeal to embrace new players, while honoring the greats, may prove to define his legacy more than any wicket.