'I request them to consider retiring...' - Former Pakistan pacer offers shocking advice to Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan after Asia Cup 2025 snub

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently unveiled a 17-man squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE, with Salman Ali Agha appointed as captain. While the squad features several promising youngsters, it notably excludes experienced stars Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and pacer Naseem Shah. Instead, selectors opted for Mohammad Wasim Jr. to bolster the pace unit. The absence of Babar and Rizwan is not entirely surprising, as Pakistan already played without them in T20I series against Bangladesh and the West Indies earlier this year.

However, the decision has sparked strong reactions, with former Pakistan pacer Tanvir Ahmed suggesting that both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan should consider retiring from international cricket if they feel undervalued by the board. According to Ahmed, the duo may interpret their omission from the Asia Cup 2025 squad as a sign of disrespect. He even compared their situation to Virat Kohli’s career path, implying the players could weigh retirement as an option if they continue to feel sidelined.

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“If Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are feeling disrespected, I request them to consider retiring from International cricket. We have examples like Virat Kohli in front of us”, expressed the former speedster via his social media handles.

Why Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were moved out of squad?

Once ranked as the No.1 T20I batter, Babar Azam now finds himself excluded from Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad, marking a dramatic decline. His return as captain during the ICC T20 World Cup in the USA ended in disappointment, with Pakistan crashing out in the group stage. Mohammad Rizwan, who was also part of that campaign, has faced a similar downfall. While some argue they were unfairly dropped, the duo have underperformed in recent outings. Head coach Mike Hesson stressed Babar must improve specific areas of his game to make a comeback.

Hesson further suggested that Babar should consider opportunities in franchise cricket, such as the Big Bash League (BBL), to rebuild form and confidence. Meanwhile, former pacer Tanvir Ahmed has stirred debate by questioning the inclusion of Fakhar Zaman in the Asia Cup squad. The left-hander, who suffered a hamstring injury in the West Indies series, may have been rushed back too soon. His performance in the Asia Cup will likely determine if his selection was justified or forced.