Selectors put faith in new blood as Babar, Rizwan face reality check

 

Selectors put faith in new blood as Babar, Rizwan face reality check

Asher Butt

Pakistan cricket has officially entered a new chapter. The chief selector Aaqib Javed and head coach Mike Hesson have chosen to look beyond the old guard, leaving out former skipper Babar Azam and wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan from the T20 squad for the Asia Cup and Tri-Series. Their message was blunt: selection now belongs to form and performance, not reputation.

Facing the media, Aaqib made it clear that the selectors were unapologetic about the decision. “We are backing players who are delivering right now,” he said, pointing to the rise of Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Sahibzada Farhan as the nucleus of Pakistan’s batting future. Saim’s consistency over the past year and Farhan’s breakthrough form were highlighted as examples of the transition taking shape.

Hesson chipped in with perspective, noting Pakistan’s recent resurgence in T20 cricket — winning six of their last nine matches, and losing two by the barest of margins. “This side is competitive and capable. Even in the games we lost, we were in positions to win,” he explained.

That didn’t mean Babar and Rizwan were banished forever. Aaqib insisted the door remains open. “No selector can put a full stop on anyone’s career. The rule is simple: whoever performs, plays,” he said, confirming that both stars continue to train at the National Cricket Academy under the guidance of coaches.

The selectors also doubled down on the inclusion of Mohammad Haris despite recent criticism. Armed with stats, Aaqib defended him: a strike rate of 171 and a batting average close to 30 across the last three series. “For a keeper-batsman, those are world-class numbers. What else do you want?” he asked.

Looking ahead, the India clash on September 14 looms large. Aaqib was bullish: “The India-Pakistan game is the biggest in world cricket. Every player rises for it. I believe this squad can beat any side.” Hesson, meanwhile, focused on tactical concerns, especially Pakistan’s readiness to handle spin-friendly conditions in Sharjah. “That’s why the middle order is crucial — not just survival, but pressure-building,” he explained.

What’s unmistakable is the philosophy driving this squad: data-driven selection, aggressive strike rates, and adaptability across conditions. The Asia Cup and Tri-Series are immediate priorities, but the eye is firmly on the 2026 World Cup.

For Pakistan fans, the message is clear: the future is now. Saim, Sahibzada, Haris and company have the chance to step out of the shadows of Babar and Rizwan — and nothing would announce that shift louder than a victory over India.