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T20 Future of Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen in Doubt as Pakistan Eyes Youth-Focused Rebuild

ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan’s cricket selectors move towards finalising squads for upcoming T20I tours to Bangladesh and the West Indies, the continued exclusion of senior stars Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi has sparked widespread speculation about their future in the shortest format.

The official squad announcement is expected in the first week of July, ahead of a training camp in Karachi set to begin on July 8. Selected players are to report by July 7, with Head Coach Mike Hesson returning from New Zealand by July 5 to oversee preparations.

Despite being rested for the recent home series against Bangladesh, Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen are likely to remain sidelined. Sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) suggest the selection committee remains unconvinced about their inclusion in the current white-ball strategy.

“Selectors do not appear interested in recalling Babar or Rizwan at this stage, and there are reservations even about Shaheen’s involvement,” a source told The News.

The squad is expected to resemble the youthful side that impressed during the recent T20I series, with a clear focus on testing bench strength and building a core for the next T20 World Cup cycle.

Emerging Core & Potential XI

Salman Ali Agha is expected to continue leading the side, with the top order comprising Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, and Mohammad Haris. Middle-order responsibilities are likely to be handled by Shadab Khan, Irfan Khan Niazi, Khushdil Shah, and Hasan Nawaz, a rising talent tipped for international stardom.

In the bowling department, Abrar Ahmad and Shadab Khan are confirmed spin options, but selectors are deliberating a debut call for Sufyan Moqeem, a promising left-arm spinner who could prove valuable in spin-friendly conditions in Bangladesh.

The pace unit is expected to be led by Haris Rauf, with Abbas Afridi, Hasan Ali, Waseem Jr, and Faheem Ashraf providing depth and variety.

A Strategic Pivot?

The ongoing omission of Pakistan’s most seasoned T20 trio — Babar Azam (74 T20Is), Mohammad Rizwan (85 T20Is), and Shaheen Afridi (64 T20Is) — could reflect a long-term shift in strategy. While some insiders say the move is temporary and performance-based, others view it as part of a phased transition towards a more dynamic, fearless brand of cricket.

The selectors’ emphasis on youth, athleticism, and versatility is evident, but whether this means a permanent exit for the former T20 captain and stalwarts remains to be seen.

Dual Squads, Dual Missions

In parallel, the Pakistan Shaheens will embark on a red-ball tour of England starting mid-July, with a separate squad featuring first-class specialists and fringe Test hopefuls. This series is viewed as an opportunity to groom players for Pakistan’s longer-format future in foreign conditions.

What’s Next?

With the selectors walking a delicate line between experience and experimentation, the next few weeks will be telling. The official squad announcement in early July will likely set the tone for Pakistan’s white-ball future—one that could begin without three of its biggest names on the teamsheet.

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