Why did Pakistan exclude Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi from Bangladesh T20I squad, the reason is...
The Pakistan Cricket Board picked a 15-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. Salman Ali Agha is set lead Pakistan in the three-match series against Bangladesh, which is scheduled to commence from July 20.
While many common names are on the squad for Pakistan's side, it came as a shock to fans that Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi were not part of the squad. As the Men in Green gets ready to face Bangladesh, here is a look at why the two stars were left out for the T20I series.
Babar Azam's steep fall in T20Is
Babar Azam who is known for his outstanding stroke play, hasn't been in a good form recently. However, he once had decent numbers overall but his recent performance has seen a dip. Since the T20I World Cup last year, Babar has managed to score only 200 runs at a poor average of 25. But more importantly his strike rate with respect to scoring runs for Pakistan, has been a problem for them, as he has not been anything near standard in his role. In the same time period, Babar's strike rate reads 112.99, indicative of how tough of a task it has been to score runs too quickly.
The Pakistan Super League gave him a golden opportunity to prove his worth and convince the selectors for T20I comeback, but his performance was not very impressive as he scored 288 runs at an average of 36 and a strike rate of 128.57.
Shaheen Afridi's decline in form
On the other hand, Shaheen Afridi performed much better in Pakistan Super League as he grabbed 19 wickets in twelve matches at an excellent strike rate of 12. Although Shaheen was superb throughout the tournament, he was dropped from the T20I squad, owing to his recent form in the format.
Shaheen Afridi had a very disappointing tour of New Zealand, managing just two wickets in four matches. He also struggled with his economy rate, giving away 10.23 runs an over. As a result, Pakistan dropped him for their next T20I series.
Mike Hesson, Pakistan's newly appointed head coach, mentioned that both these players' T20I selection is dependent solely on whether they can put consistent domestic performances together.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Pink Villa
an hour ago
- Pink Villa
Who is Jassym Lora? All about the Instagram model and wife of Andre Russell as he announces retirement
When Andre 'Dre Russ' Russell hits the field, fans expect fireworks as he unleashes thunderous sixes. His potent performances and T20 trophies have amazed fans, but his biggest support comes from his wife, Jassym Lora, who cheers in the stands. A Miami-born model and influencer, Jassym is not just a 'cricket wife', she's a fashion force with a massive online following and a love story that's straight out of a celebrity romance reel. As Russell prepares to play his final T20 internationals at Sabina Park on July 20 and 22, 2025, Jassym is ready to celebrate both his career and their shared journey. A fashion force next to the boundary Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Jassym earned recognition as a model and blogger before meeting Russell, according to OneCricket. She has collaborated with high-profile brands via her Instagram handle jassymloraru as well. More than 338,000 followers admire her blend of travelogues and couture shoots. When the IPL lights shine brightest, she transforms into cricket's most glamorous cheerleader, often spotted donning team colors and sharing behind-the-scenes moments. Marriage, family, and cricket chemistry The pair's romance began years before their 2014 engagement, per the outlet, and culminated in a private July 2016 wedding. Jassym traded fashion week for wicket celebrations, becoming a dedicated cricket supporter and proud mother when Amaiah, their daughter, arrived on January 23, 2020. Together, the cricketer-influencer duo balance demanding schedules; between Jassym's photo shoots and brand endorsements and Russell's globetrotting T20 commitments. A farewell fit for a champion As reported by the ICC, Russell announced his retirement from international cricket during the upcoming T20I series against Australia. 'Words cannot explain what it meant. To represent the West Indies has been one of the proudest achievements in my life,' he told Cricket West Indies. With Jassym at his side, the all-rounder will bid farewell on home soil, closing a chapter filled with two T20 World Cup titles and a legacy of fearless play.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Zimbabwe announce 16-man squad for New Zealand Test series
Craig Ervine and Wellington Masakadza vs South Africa in the first Test (Image via X/@ZimCricketv) Zimbabwe have named a 16-player squad for their upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand, set to begin on July 30 in Bulawayo. Several senior players return to the squad after missing the recent series against South Africa. This includes experienced all-rounder Sikandar Raza and top-order batters Roy Kaia and Tanunurwa Makoni. Also returning is young opener Brian Bennett, who was one of the standout performers during Zimbabwe's drawn Test series in Bangladesh earlier this year. Bennett finished as the second-highest run-scorer in that series and helped Zimbabwe win their first Test against Bangladesh since 2018. He also scored a century against England in the one-off Test at Trent Bridge in May. The 21-year-old missed part of the South Africa series due to a concussion but has now recovered and is available for the New Zealand series. Squad for New Zealand series by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ready for a Glow-Up? [Get Your Reading Now] Learn More Undo Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Roy Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Clive Madande, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams. 'Cricketers Aren't Cattle... ': Harish Thawani on the IPL and Business of Indian Cricket To accommodate the returning players, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Prince Masvaure, Wessly Madhevere and Kundai Matigimu have been left out from the squad that featured against South Africa. New Zealand and Zimbabwe are currently participating in a T20I tri-series alongside South Africa as part of their preparations. Schedule for New Zealand Test series 1st Test: 30 July - 3 August, Bulawayo 2nd Test: 7 - 11 August, Bulawayo Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
9 hours ago
- First Post
India vs Pakistan clash at LA 2028 Olympics unlikely as only 1 Asian team to qualify: Report
Cricket will return to the Olympics at LA 2028 after 128 years. However, only one Asian team is reported to qualify directly for the event. This makes an India vs Pakistan clash highly unlikely. The ICC is set to debate the qualification process at its Singapore AGM. read more Cricket is all set to return to the Olympics after 128 years, with men's and women's T20 events scheduled for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. However, fans hoping for an India vs Pakistan clash might be disappointed. According to Forbes, only one Asian team will directly qualify for the men's event, making it very unlikely that both arch-rivals will feature together. The men's and women's competitions will reportedly have just six teams each. The host nation, the USA, is likely to get an automatic slot, which leaves just five remaining spots. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The report suggests that the ICC is leaning towards a regional qualification model. That means only the top-ranked T20I team from each region - Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Africa - will automatically qualify, while the final spot will be decided through a qualifying tournament. This could mean only one Asian team - likely India, based on their superior ranking - would make it directly, leaving Pakistan to fight for the remaining Olympic place in qualifiers. The ICC is currently debating how qualification should work, with the topic set to be discussed at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Singapore. Also Read: PCB stares at loss of crores if Asia Cup is cancelled: 'Revenues from ICC and Asia Cup are very important' Qualification process stirs debate Some associate members want qualifying tournaments instead of just rankings, saying it would give them a fair chance. Zimbabwe Cricket chair Tavengwa Mukuhlani, who is an ICC board director and also part of the Olympic working group, has urged that the qualifying tournament should be for everyone and not just full members. 'We should really make the most of cricket being in the Olympics and have qualifying tournaments instead of rankings, which don't make sense in terms of trying to develop the sport,' Mukuhlani told Forbes. 'The qualifying tournaments should be for everyone and not just Full Members (cricket's 12 nations who receive the most power and funds). It's fairer and if you look at other major sports, like football and basketball, you see some amazing things happen where underdog nations qualify," he added. Also Read: India camp rocked by injury crisis: How team combination could change after Nitish Reddy, Arshdeep Singh blow STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, others have argued that using rankings would be cheaper and easier because cricket's schedule is already packed. However, they also want inclusivity to be a factor and ensure that the right decision is taken so cricket is made part of the Olympics for good and not just for one edition. 'Discussions will be focused on what is the best option and there is the cost factor to consider, but inclusivity has to be a factor too and it would be great to showcase a curtain raiser before the Olympics,' Sumod Damodar, one of the three Associate member representatives on the Chief Executives' Committee, was quoted as saying. 'We need to make sure the right decision is made for cricket because the sport wants to be part of Brisbane 2032 and beyond. We don't want to be in situations where every four years we are begging for inclusion.' The LA28 Olympic cricket matches will be held at a temporary stadium in Pomona, about 50 km from Los Angeles, from July 12 to 29, 2028. Medal matches will be played on July 20 and 29. The cricket matches at Olympics will begin two days before the start of the main event. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
