Overview

• Pakistan omitted Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the T20I squad named for the Asia Cup 2025, with Babar last playing the format in December 2024.
• Akram said Babar’s experience could be decisive in chases of 150–160 on tricky pitches, speaking on Sony Sports.
• While advocating a targeted role for Babar, Akram maintained the seniors had enough opportunities over four to five years and endorsed trying new players.
• He praised captain Salman Ali Agha for proactive leadership, noting a fearless mindset and flexibility in batting order.
• Pakistan enter Group A with fixtures against Oman on September 12 and India on September 14 after winning a warm-up tri-series over Afghanistan and the UAE.