Pakistan wanted Babar Azam to play in Asia Cup 2025 final

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are not part of Pakistan’s T20 plans, but a recent media report revealed an interesting development. After Pakistan lost to India in the group stage match on and the Super Four encounter, the Pakistan Cricket Board tried to add Babar to the squad. According to Cricket Pakistan, the organisers rejected the request, explaining that mid-tournament changes are only allowed if a player is injured. Babar’s last appearance for Pakistan in T20Is came in December last year.

The report suggested a difficult scenario for current skipper Salman Ali Agha. “According to sources, Babar Azam has a strong chance of returning for the T20I series against South Africa. With the batting order struggling repeatedly, the lack of an experienced batter is clearly being felt. Salman Agha’s position as captain and player would depend on Pakistan’s performance in the final.”

“Following back-to-back defeats to India, PCB officials wanted Babar Azam to play for the team. The decision-makers were ready to give him a chance in the Continental Cup, but organisers informed the board that changes are only allowed in case of an injury.”

Babar Azam will join a red-ball camp at the NCA from Tuesday, alongside 10 players, to prepare for Pakistan’s home Tests against South Africa.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Saturday that 11 players will join the training camp from Monday. Apart from Babar, Abdullah Shafique, Ali Raza, Azan Awais, and Kamran Ghulam will start practice.

Mohammad Rizwan and Naseem Shah missed selection due to CPL 2025 commitments.