Kamran Akmal had recently asked for Babar Azam to be dropped from all white-ball formats, but made a massive U-turn after the former Pakistan captain was not included in the squad for Asia Cup 2025.

The star duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan continued to remain absent from T20Is as Pakistan announced their Asia Cup squad on Sunday.

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam is urged to enhance his batting against spin and increase his strike rate for T20 International consideration. Despite being a pivotal figure in other formats, Azam hasn't played a T20I since last year's South Africa tour.

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson took to social media to explain the Asia Cup squad selection after facing criticism for leaving out Babar Azam criticism.

Babar Azam was overlooked as Pakistan announced their squad for the Asia Cup 2025 and also for the T20I tri-series against the UAE and Afghanistan preceding the regional tournament. Pakistan coach Mike Hesson opened up on the absence of Babar for the tournament.

Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad sparks controversy as Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are dropped over strike rate concerns, while captain Agha Salman’s weaker numbers expose glaring hypocrisy in team selection.

In batting, India’s Shubman Gill retained his No.1 position in the ODI rankings, with Pakistan’s Babar Azam holding second place. West Indies skipper Shai Hope climbed to seventh after a match-winning 120 not out against Pakistan.