Babar and Rizwan should have been included in Asia Cup squad, says Kamran Akmal

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for not selecting senior players such as Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in the national squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, 24NewsHD TV reported on Sunday. 

Speaking to the media after the PCB unveiled the 17-member team for the UAE tri-series and the Asia Cup, Akmal stressed that while the chosen squad may be suitable for the tri-nation series, it is “not the right combination for the Asia Cup.”

He argued that the Asia Cup required a carefully thought-out selection strategy, especially keeping in mind Pakistan’s high-stakes clash against India.

“The squad should have been finalized after considering the team’s recent performances and the importance of the India match,” Akmal said.

The former cricketer expressed disappointment that senior players had been overlooked at a time when their experience could have been vital.

“For the Asia Cup, senior players should have been retained. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan deserved a place in the team,” he remarked.