Pakistan selectors and coach Mike Hesson have informed the senior trio that they will not be considered for upcoming T20 series, signaling a shift in strategy ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Lahore | June 13, 2025 –
The T20I future of three of Pakistan’s most iconic cricketers — Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi — appears to be in serious doubt. According to sources quoted by PTI, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selectors and new head coach Mike Hesson have formally informed the trio that they are not in the current plans for the shortest format.
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Babar, Rizwan, and Afridi — once considered the backbone of Pakistan’s T20 team — have reportedly been told to now focus on ODIs and Tests, as selectors look to rebuild the T20I squad with new talent ahead of the Asia Cup and the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026.
Selectors Eye Long-Term Youth Strategy
The decision was made by the selection panel comprising Aaqib Javed, Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali, and Asad Shafiq, in collaboration with coach Hesson. The Pakistan T20I squad for upcoming bilateral series against West Indies and Bangladesh is expected to be announced next week.
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“The idea is to give a long rope to new young players in T20Is. If things don’t go as planned, Babar, Rizwan and Shaheen can always be recalled,” a PCB source told PTI.
Pakistan’s T20 calendar includes:
- West Indies tour (July): 3 T20Is and 3 ODIs
- Bangladesh tour (August): Originally 3 T20Is, may be extended to 5
- Home series vs Afghanistan (late August)
- Asia Cup (September, unconfirmed)
Recent Snubs and Future Leagues
While Afridi recently led Lahore Qalandars to their third PSL title, and Rizwan continued solid domestic form, they were already sidelined in recent T20 series against New Zealand, Bangladesh, Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
Meanwhile, Babar Azam is set to make his Big Bash League debut with the Sydney Sixers later this year. The PCB has issued him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the league from December 28 to late January.
Conclusion
This strategic shift marks a significant moment in Pakistan’s T20 transition, sidelining seasoned campaigners to build a new core. However, selectors have kept the door open for a comeback — if the young guns fail to deliver.
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Babar Azam T20I, Mohammad Rizwan dropped, Shaheen Afridi future, Pakistan cricket team, Mike Hesson, PCB selectors, Pakistan T20 squad, T20 World Cup 2026, Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan vs West Indies, Pakistan vs Bangladesh