• Pakistan dropped Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the Asia Cup 2025 squad.

  • Cricket fans remain deeply split over the management's bold decision.

Fans react as Pakistan drop Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from Asia Cup 2025 squad
Mixed fan reactions after Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan miss out on Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad (Image source: X)

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Cricket fans have been thrown into a storm of debate following the shock exclusion of star batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the Asia Cup 2025 squad. The Pakistan Cricket Board’s announcement on Sunday has sparked intense discussions across social media, with opinions sharply divided between those applauding the bold move and others criticizing what they see as a reckless decision.

The call was backed by new white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, who cited the duo’s underwhelming strike rates as the primary reason for their omission. Both Babar and Rizwan have faced criticism for their conservative approach at the top of the order, often consuming the bulk of deliveries without translating them into the aggression demanded in modern T20 cricket. Their powerplay strike rates—116 for Babar and 117.4 for Rizwan—have been flagged as subpar, with Pakistan’s top three collectively facing more balls than any other ICC full-member team since 2020.

Fans divide over Babar Azam  and Mohammad Rizwan’s exclusion from Pakistan T20I squad

The decision has split the fanbase into two clear camps. Supporters of the move argue that Pakistan’s batting strategy desperately needed a shake-up, with Babar’s T20I strike rate of 129.2 often seen as an anchor slowing the team down. They believe removing the duo could pave the way for a more aggressive, fearless approach that keeps Pakistan in step with evolving T20 standards.

On the other hand, a significant section of fans has reacted angrily. For them, dropping two of Pakistan’s most reliable performers amounts to self-sabotage. Babar’s absence in particular has been a sore point during recent series against Bangladesh and the West Indies, where collapses highlighted what supporters called a “glaring void” in the batting lineup.

Also READ: Pakistan announces squad for Asia Cup 2025; no place for Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan

Here’s how fans reacted:

Strike rate debate takes center stage

At the heart of the debate lies the strike rate question. Critics argue that Pakistan cannot afford to carry openers who score below 120 in the powerplay, especially when India and other top teams field players striking between 160 and 180. Comparisons have only added fuel to the fire, with many labeling Babar and Rizwan’s approach as outdated in today’s high-octane T20 era.

Yet, defenders of the pair stress that statistics cannot capture the calmness and experience they bring in pressure situations. Former cricketers, too, are divided—some hailing the decision as a long overdue reset, others warning that dropping seasoned performers just ahead of a major tournament could backfire badly.

As Pakistan head into the Asia Cup under the leadership of Salman Ali Agha, the debate remains unresolved. For fans, the question is simple but profound: will this gamble redefine Pakistan’s T20 future, or will the absence of two of their biggest names come back to haunt them?

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CATEGORY: Asia Cup Babar Azam Featured Mohammad Rizwan Pakistan Twitter Reactions

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.