Pakistan drops Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen from the upcoming T20 tours of Bangladesh and the West Indies, signaling a bold new direction for the team. But the selection committee, head coach Mike Hesson, and captain Salman Agha chose younger players instead, dropping three of Pakistan’s most experienced stars.
The trio’s poor form in recent white-ball matches led to this decision. Earlier, Rizwan led Pakistan to a 2-0 loss in South Africa, where Babar also played. Selectors also dropped them for the New Zealand tour and Bangladesh series. Now, they’ve ignored them again.
Sources from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reveal that the selection committee, with head coach Mike Hesson and captain Salman Agha, decided to back younger players. Hesson backed Babar and Rizwan. But Aaqib Javed pushed to give youngsters a chance.
Similarly, Shaheen Afridi’s case followed the same pattern. He struggled with form and attitude on the New Zealand tour, took only two wickets in four matches and gave away runs at an economy rate of 10.23. He was benched for the final game. Reports say Shaheen’s lack of cooperation with team management also hurt his chances.
Observers Sarfaraz Ahmed and Sikander Bakht, now part of the team’s leadership group, fully support the youth-focused vision. They view the T20 series in Bangladesh, scheduled for July 20, 22, and 24, as a perfect platform for young players. These players have the chance to showcase their skills and prove themselves.
After that, Pakistan will travel to Florida for five T20Is against the West Indies. These games are vital for testing new talent under international pressure. This will help the management fine-tune the squad for upcoming challenges.
Meanwhile, Hesson reportedly met Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen in Lahore. He explained the team’s new strategy and assured them their careers aren’t over. The door remains open.
Captain Salman Agha remains focused on building a strong backup team. With the T20 World Cup approaching fast, Pakistan plans to test its bench strength. They will play against Afghanistan, Ireland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Australia in the lead-up. These matches will help evaluate bench strength and finalize combinations.
Pakistan’s decision to drop Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi reflects a major shift in strategy. Prioritizing young blood over experience, the team management is eyeing a fresh start. While the door remains open, these stars now face the challenge of reclaiming their place.
