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| Shaheen Afridi celebrates with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan after taking the wicket of South Africa's David Miller at M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, India on October 27, 2023. — Reuters1 |
Shifting Focus: Shaheen Afridi Calls for Support of Young Talent
Pakistani batters Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan congratulate each other for registering a 100-run opening partnership in third T20I at Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida, August 3, 2025. — Facebook/@PakistanCricketBoardSahibzada Farhan and Saim...
When Pakistan announced the shock exclusion of stalwarts Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from its Asia Cup 2025 squad, cricket fans were stunned. Two of the most consistent performers in recent years were suddenly absent from the 17-member T20I squad—signaling a bold shift in team strategy. Amid speculation and controversy, fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi stepped forward with words that resonated—not divisions, but unity, and a call to back Pakistan’s youngsters.
Pakistani selectors unveiled a fresh squad for the upcoming tri-nation series against UAE and Afghanistan, leading into the Asia Cup. Veteran names were missing, while emerging talents like Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, and Mohammad Haris were handed key roles. Shaheen, retained in the squad, acknowledged the weight of the decision.
“I won’t be here either in the future. I believe everyone should get the opportunity,” Shaheen shared from the Sharjah training camp, going on to make an appeal to fans and critics alike. “Babar and Rizwan are world-class players… they played great cricket for Pakistan and by God’s will, they will play again. But everyone should get an opportunity… we should back our youngsters.”ReutersThe News InternationalDawn
That sentiment cuts deep—not just a team strategy but a reminder of sport's generational cycle.
The decision to drop Babar Azam and Rizwan was confirmed by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who clarified the selection was solely the responsibility of the committee—not himself—ensuring the move wasn’t mired in administrative interference.The News International
Cricket legend Javed Miandad couldn’t resist questioning the logic behind the snubs, sharing a pointed “Usko kya nazar aayega?” echoing the disbelief many felt.The Times of India Meanwhile, coach Mike Hesson explained the shift towards more aggressive batting—hence fresh faces in the lineup.The Times of India
Shaheen underscored this broader context: “They are players too, and the more we support them, the better. Instead of criticizing them for being new, remember—they are our players and we should help them progress.”Dawn
A Seamless Transition from Senior Crowns to Rising Stars
This change in direction follows months of inactivity for Babar and Rizwan in the T20I format. Since Pakistan’s away series against South Africa last December, the duo remained on the sidelines, quietly watching the next generation rise.The News InternationalThe Express TribuneESPN.com
With the Asia Cup set to begin with a match against Oman on September 12, and the high-voltage face-off with India on September 14, the pressure is real. Pakistan’s new captain Salman Ali Agha leads a youthful squad brimming with both talent and uncertainty.ReutersProboThe Times of India
Why Shaheen’s Message Matters
Shaheen’s perspective goes beyond team talk—it reflects personal evolution. At just 25 years old, he’s already navigated cricket’s highs and setbacks. His words—“I won’t be here either in the future”—signal humility and recognition of natural progression.The News InternationalWikipedia
He humanized the transition, reminding fans that legends like Babar and Rizwan laid the path for newcomers. This season isn't about replacing heroes; it's about building on their legacy.
What Lies Ahead for Pakistan Cricket
Pakistan’s revamped squad enters the Asia Cup without its captain and its mainstay wicketkeeper, but backed by youthful zeal and a cricketer’s wisdom. Shaheen’s voice anchors the narrative, lending unity to disruption.
As they face tough opponents—including India and Pakistan’s own old guard still cheering from outside—the squad has a chance to prove that confidence isn’t built solely on names, but on readiness and resolve.
If the past proved anything, it’s that Pakistan thrives under pressure. Shaheen and his young teammates are now tasked not just with performing, but with earning belief—something their senior predecessors did years ago.
“I won’t be here either in the future. I believe everyone should get the opportunity,” Shaheen shared from the Sharjah training camp, going on to make an appeal to fans and critics alike. “Babar and Rizwan are world-class players… they played great cricket for Pakistan and by God’s will, they will play again. But everyone should get an opportunity… we should back our youngsters.”ReutersThe News InternationalDawn
That sentiment cuts deep—not just a team strategy but a reminder of sport's generational cycle.
The decision to drop Babar Azam and Rizwan was confirmed by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who clarified the selection was solely the responsibility of the committee—not himself—ensuring the move wasn’t mired in administrative interference.The News International
Cricket legend Javed Miandad couldn’t resist questioning the logic behind the snubs, sharing a pointed “Usko kya nazar aayega?” echoing the disbelief many felt.The Times of India Meanwhile, coach Mike Hesson explained the shift towards more aggressive batting—hence fresh faces in the lineup.The Times of India
Shaheen underscored this broader context: “They are players too, and the more we support them, the better. Instead of criticizing them for being new, remember—they are our players and we should help them progress.”Dawn
A Seamless Transition from Senior Crowns to Rising Stars
This change in direction follows months of inactivity for Babar and Rizwan in the T20I format. Since Pakistan’s away series against South Africa last December, the duo remained on the sidelines, quietly watching the next generation rise.The News InternationalThe Express TribuneESPN.com
With the Asia Cup set to begin with a match against Oman on September 12, and the high-voltage face-off with India on September 14, the pressure is real. Pakistan’s new captain Salman Ali Agha leads a youthful squad brimming with both talent and uncertainty.ReutersProboThe Times of India
Why Shaheen’s Message Matters
Shaheen’s perspective goes beyond team talk—it reflects personal evolution. At just 25 years old, he’s already navigated cricket’s highs and setbacks. His words—“I won’t be here either in the future”—signal humility and recognition of natural progression.The News InternationalWikipedia
He humanized the transition, reminding fans that legends like Babar and Rizwan laid the path for newcomers. This season isn't about replacing heroes; it's about building on their legacy.
What Lies Ahead for Pakistan Cricket
Pakistan’s revamped squad enters the Asia Cup without its captain and its mainstay wicketkeeper, but backed by youthful zeal and a cricketer’s wisdom. Shaheen’s voice anchors the narrative, lending unity to disruption.
As they face tough opponents—including India and Pakistan’s own old guard still cheering from outside—the squad has a chance to prove that confidence isn’t built solely on names, but on readiness and resolve.
If the past proved anything, it’s that Pakistan thrives under pressure. Shaheen and his young teammates are now tasked not just with performing, but with earning belief—something their senior predecessors did years ago.
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