Pakistani coach Mike Hesson reveals why Babar Azam was excluded from the Asian Cup team 2025

PakistanTeam announcement for Asia Cup 2025 has created an agitation among fans and experts. Sunday, the selectors omitted pillars Babar Azam And Mohammad ricewan From the team of 17 members who will first play a triangular T20I series in Sharjah before heading to the Asian Cup with water.

The decision marks a clear strategy change, management choosing explosive strikers such as Saim Ayub,, SAHIBZADA FarhanAnd Fakhar Zaman To carry out the load at the top of the order. For a team often accused of starting too carefully in T20is, the message seems strong and clear: the intention is important.

Mike Hesson on why Babar Azam was abandoned by Squad Asia Cup

Addressing the inevitable question on the omission of Babar, head coach Mike Hesson Admitted that even if the former captain remains one of the best players in Pakistan, the coaches staff have put specific challenges to work.

“There is no doubt that Babar was invited to improve in certain areas, especially against Spin and in terms of strike rates. He works extremely hard on these aspects, and we think he will come back stronger,” Hesson told journalists.

The coach’s remarks point out that the door is far from closed. Instead, it seems that it is a carefully calculated movement to push Babar out of its comfort zone.

Also read: Pakistan announces the team for the Asian 2025 Cup; No place for Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan

Bbl Piet considered a turning point

The next big Babar test will come to Australia later this year when he proves to be for the Adelaide attackers in the Big Bash League. Hesson considers this passage as more than another assignment abroad – he considers that it is a test field.

“A player like Babar has the chance to play in the BBL and show the improvements we are looking for in the T20 cricket. He is too good to be ignored for a long time”, “ Addition of Hesson.

Pakistan will start its campaign with the triangular series against Afghanistan And United Arab Emirates In Sharjah (August 29 – September 7), followed by the Asian Cup in Dubai and Abu Dhabi (September 9-28).

Also read: “Itni Buri Tarah Maarrenge na vo vo”: Basit Ali emits a severe warning in Pakistan before the Asian Cup 2025 Clash Vs India