Pakistan Drops Babar, Rizwan, Shaheen for T20Is

In a surprising yet strategic decision, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dropped three of its biggest stars — Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi — from the upcoming T20 International (T20I) series.

This bold step comes as part of a team rotation strategy and has sparked massive reactions across the cricketing world. Whether it’s a brave tactical call or a risky gamble, one thing is certain — this decision has caught everyone’s attention.

• Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan & Shaheen Afridi dropped from the upcoming T20I series

• PCB cites workload management and preparation for the T20 World Cup 2025

• Young talent like Saim Ayub, Azam Khan, and Zaman Khan are likely to replace them

• The move is seen as part of a long-term squad development plan

• Mixed reactions from fans, former cricketers, and cricket analysts

Let’s be clear — this is not a small move. These three players are the backbone of Pakistan cricket in the T20 format:

• Babar Azam: One of the world's top batters, a former captain, and a consistent run-scorer

• Mohammad Rizwan: Wicket-keeper batsman, known for stability and big innings

• Shaheen Afridi: Pakistan’s premier fast bowler and match-winner

Dropping all three together sends a strong message: Pakistan is looking beyond individual brilliance and towards a more balanced team structure.

The PCB issued a statement saying:

“The decision to rest Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen was made with a long-term view in mind. Managing player workloads and building bench strength are key priorities ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2025.”

The board clarified that this does not mean they are dropped permanently, but rather given a strategic break.

• These players have been playing back-to-back cricket, including PSL, bilateral series, and ICC tournaments.

• Managing their physical and mental fatigue is essential for performance in big events.

• With the World Cup around the corner, PCB is using this time to test new players and see who can handle pressure.

• It's also a way to prepare contingency options in case of injuries or form loss.

• Pakistan has often struggled due to a lack of experienced backups.

• This is a chance to give younger players international exposure.

• Some fans and critics have also questioned the recent form of Babar and Rizwan in T20s.

• Shaheen’s performance has also seen inconsistencies due to injury comebacks.

Many cricket legends have shared their opinions on the matter:

• Ramiz Raja: “It’s risky, but maybe necessary. We need to find new heroes.”

• Shoaib Akhtar: “Why now? Don’t break the spine of your team before the World Cup.”

• Misbah-ul-Haq: “This can work if backed by a strong plan and confidence in youth.”

This move clearly shows long-term strategic planning from the PCB. However, the execution will decide whether it’s seen as genius or a blunder.

• Encourages competition for spots

• Builds squad depth

• Saves players from burnout

• Gives younger talent a real opportunity

• The new-look Pakistan squad will face opponents in a 3 to 5-match T20I series

• The series will serve as trial games for the World Cup selection

• Based on their performances, the PCB will decide the core squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2025

• Find reliable openers

• Test middle-order combinations

• Identify bowlers who can deliver under pressure

• Evaluate captaincy candidates (in case Babar doesn’t return as captain)

“All three remain central to our World Cup plans. This is just a rest period, not a permanent exclusion.”

It is expected that:

• Babar Azam may return as a top-order batter, but not necessarily as captain

• Rizwan might be back as the first-choice wicketkeeper, depending on Haris/Azam Khan’s performance

• Shaheen Afridi’s return depends on fitness and form — he remains a frontline pacer when fully fit

The exclusion of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi from the T20Is marks a key transition in Pakistan cricket. Whether this leads to a stronger team or a regretful decision will depend on how well the young guns perform under pressure.