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.

Former Pakistan bowler Tanveer Ahmed urged Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to consider retiring if disrespected after Asia Cup snub, citing Virat Kohli.

Babar Azam vs Mohammad Rizwan remains Pakistan cricket’s hottest debate, with Babar’s consistency and records outshining Rizwan’s fighting spirit in ODI cricket.

When comparing the two, Babar Azam clearly has more experience and better numbers as a captain. However, the PCB has decided to invest in Salman Ali Agha as a long-term option, signaling a shift towards building a younger side. The Asia Cup 2025 will be the real test of whether this gamble pays off.

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

Star South Africa batter Dewald Brevis put in an excellent showing against Australia in the third T20I of the ongoing series. The star batter moved past Pakistan's Babar Azam in an alite list but fell just short of Virat Kohli.