Time for Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan to call it quits? Former Pakistan player advises after Asia Cup snub

Seems like Pakistan's setup for the shorter format has moved on from the senior duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. The former skippers of the team were left out of the Pakistan squad for the Asia Cup 2025. Meanwhile, as the veterans grapple with their unceremonious exit, Azam and Rizwan have received a bold suggestion. Former Pakistani bowler Tanveer Ahmed has asked the senior duo to announce their retirement if they think that the selection choice has dealt a blow to their respect.

Former Pakistan pacer draws parallels with Virat Kohli, suggesting Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to retire after Asia Cup 2025 snub

The Pakistan Cricket Board announced a 17-member squad for the UAE tri-series and the following Asia Cup 2025. Salman Ali Agha will lead the group in the marquee tournament, which will remain devoid of the experience of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. The board kicked off the process of phasing out the senior stars earlier this year, leaving both the former skippers out of the T20I squad for the Bangladesh and West Indies series.

Now, former Pakistan pacer Tanveer Ahmed has commented on Babar and Rizwan's snub from the Pakistan squad for the Asia Cup 2025. Reacting to the omission of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, the ex-cricketer drew a parallel between his compatriots and Virat Kohli. Ahmed suggested that the two senior batters should consider walking away from international cricket, much like Virat Kohli, if “respect” is no longer shown to them.

Not too long ago, Babar was ranked the No.1 T20I batter, setting multiple records in the format, and even led Pakistan in the last T20 World Cup. Rizwan was also a key part of that campaign, which ended with an early exit in the USA. Since then, both players have faced repeated exclusions, first from the bilateral T20I series earlier this year and now from the Asia Cup squad. In a social media post, Tanveer urged the duo to rethink their future in cricket if they felt sidelined by the board.

"Meri Babar Azam aur Rizwan say request hai ager ap log yeh samajhtey hain ap logon ke izzat nahi ha tou retirement ley lo international cricket say humarey samne Virat Kohli ke examples hain. @babarazam258, @iMRizwanPak izzat apney hath main ha (My request to Babar Azam and Rizwan is that if you feel your respect is not intact, then consider retiring from international cricket. We have examples of Virat Kohli in front of us. Babar and Rizwan, respect is in your hands)," he tweeted.

Tanveer Ahmed mentioned Virat Kohli in the backdrop of the Indian batter's Test retirement. The former captain, along with Rohit Sharma, announced a shock retirement from the longer format ahead of the start of the new WTC cycle. The sudden announcement by the seniors led to speculations of the BCCI meddling with their retirement decisions. However, the board has refuted any involvement in the Test retirements of both the former skippers, reiterating that the decision was solely theirs.

Meanwhile, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson explained that Babar Azam had been advised to sharpen his strike rate, particularly against spin. The Pakistan coach suggested that Babar use the upcoming Big Bash League in Australia as a platform to regain his place in Pakistan’s T20I plans ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. However, adding to his criticism, Tanveer also questioned the selectors’ call on including Fakhar Zaman in the Asia Cup squad, pointing out that the opener had sustained a hamstring injury during the West Indies T20I series.

"Was Fakhar Zaman forced into the team, or was he included to prevent Babar Azam from being selected? How did Fakhar Zaman get in?" he asked.