‘Retire Like Virat Kohli If Respect Is Imperiled’ Former Pakistani Bowler To Babar Azam

Controversy has been created by former Pakistan fast bowler Tanveer Ahmed asking Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to leave international cricket by saying that they think they lost respect  with a direct reference to Virat Kohli did the same.

 Pakistan Squad Asia Cup 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which announced the Asia Cup 2025 team has not included Babar or Rizwan, both have been in regular position of the Pakistani batting order. Former world No.1 T20I batter and a previous team captain Babar and Rizwan, who were left out of Pakistan in their T20I series earlier this year, have missed out on selection to the Asia Cup as well.

Posted on social media in cryptic response, Tanveer urged ‘What can we say? If you think you are not respected, then retire to international cricket because we have examples like Virat Kohli right here.” He stated that it is their control that is respected.

Mike Hesson on Babar Azam Omission

Speaking later on Babar omission, head coach Mike Hesson cited his strike rate, particularly against spinners, but encouraged him that he needs to use Australia Big Bash League (BBL) as a platform to prove his T20 credentials to force his way back into Pakistan set up before the subsequent T20 World cup.

Tanveer also wondered why Fakhar Zaman has been included giving his current fitness status of recuperation after a hamstring strain because he wanted to be sure that Babar is not included in the 15 member squad. The ensuing drama has sparked a raging debate on the role of the aging players of Pakistan, their treatment by the selectors and the changing dynamics of Pakistan team in the time to come.

Pakistan’s Confirmed Asia Cup 2025 squad

Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, and Salman Agha (c).

Also Read: Javed Miandad Blasts Selectors Over Babar Azam Omission Ahead Of Asia Cup