The future of the Pakistan T20I cricket team is looking likely to proceed without the experienced names of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, with reports in local media suggesting that the PCB will not recall the duo for the upcoming home series against Bangladesh.
The PCB is considering several names for the five-match series, which will be played following the conclusion of PSL 2025, but Rizwan and Babar are reportedly not among those being considered for the squad. The duo has not seen a T20I field since December 13, 2024, with Pakistan pivoting to a younger and more aggressive batting lineup without the two traditionalists.
Despite Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan holding the 1st and 2nd positions, respectively, for most runs scored in T20Is for Pakistan, the PCB has been experimenting with a lineup capable of meeting the modern standards of cricket. The results have not panned out as expected, with Pakistan getting blown out 4-1 against New Zealand, but the team management is not ready to abandon the project just yet. The return of Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and most likely Sahibzada Farhan means there is no place for the old guard in the squad for now.
Their exclusion could signal a major shakeup for the Pakistan cricket team. With the Asia Cup this year and the T20 World Cup on the horizon for next year, Pakistan may be entering a new era of T20 cricket without their two most experienced batters.
The upcoming series against Bangladesh will provide everyone with a closer look at the future of Pakistan cricket in the shortest format of the game. A loss to the Tigers, especially at home, will raise serious questions about the team, but the PCB appears set in their views for now.
Whether Babar Azam or Mohammad Rizwan will ever play a T20I game for Pakistan in the future remains to be seen; for now, that door for their return is closed.