Karachi( The COW News Digital)Former Pakistani pacer Tanvir Ahmed has sparked controversy by suggesting that star batsmen Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan consider retirement from international cricket after being dropped from the upcoming tri-nation T20 series and the Asia Cup in the UAE.
Tanvir Ahmed, speaking on social media, stated that both players should evaluate their positions in the national team and consider stepping away from international cricket if they feel undervalued. “If Babar Azam and Rizwan believe their contributions are no longer appreciated, it might be time to think about retiring from international cricket,” he said, citing former Indian captain Virat Kohli as an example of a player who made timely decisions regarding his career.
The comments come after Pakistan announced a 17-member squad for the tri-nation T20 series involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and UAE from August 29 to September 7, followed by the Asia Cup in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from September 9 to 28. Notably, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Naseem Shah were not included in the squad, while Salman Ali Agha retained the captaincy. Other key players selected include Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Saeem Ayub, Khushdil Shah, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza, and Sufyan Muqeem.
Tanvir Ahmed also voiced concerns regarding the team’s current selection strategy, questioning certain choices and expressing surprise over the inclusion of Fakhar Zaman. His statements have sparked debates among cricket fans and analysts about the future of Pakistan’s top-order and team strategy.
Despite being left out of the UAE squad, both Babar and Rizwan have been pivotal figures in Pakistan cricket for several years, contributing significantly in all formats of the game. Experts note that while temporary exclusion from a squad can be disappointing, it does not necessarily signal the end of an international career. Players like Babar and Rizwan still have the potential to regain their places if they maintain form and fitness.
The discussion surrounding retirement underscores ongoing debates about player selection, team strategy, and the pressure on elite athletes to consistently perform at the international level. Fans and cricket analysts alike are closely watching how these decisions and suggestions might impact the careers of Pakistan’s leading cricketers.
