Rizwan & Babar Azam not fit for T20 format!

KARACHI: Former Pakistan head coach and team director Mickey Arthur has expressed his reservations over the suitability of star batsmen Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in the T20 format of the game.

In a recent interview with a private television channel, Arthur acknowledged the abilities of both players but suggested that T20 cricket has evolved, and the pair can no longer meet the demands of modern-day T20 strategy.

Arthur said that both Babar and Rizwan are excellent cricketers. “But the game has changed. They are not suited to the current dynamics of T20 cricket.”

Arthur also praised the current head coach of the Pakistan team, Mike Hesson, highlighting his clear vision and strategic approach.

He noted that both Hesson and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha aim to follow a specific game plan that is in line with the current trends in cricket.

Notably, both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were left out of the recently announced squad for the upcoming Asia Cup T20 tournament – a decision that has sparked debate among fans and analysts.

Earlier this month, the men’s national selection committee announced Pakistan’s squads for the upcoming T20I tri-series and the Asia Cup to be held in the United Arab Emirates from August 29 to September 28.

The tri-series involving Afghanistan, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates will be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium from August 29 to September 7.

The eight-team ACC Asia Cup T20I tournament will be played in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from September 9 to 28. Pakistan has been placed in Group A alongside India, Oman and the UAE.

17-member squad:

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Muhammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Wasim Jr., Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shahid Afridi.