Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan aren't Pakistan's key players; they don't win you matches: Mohammed Hafeez

Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam have been the mainstays of Pakistan's batting prospects in all formats for more than five years. Pakistan's success has frequently been shaped by the duo's partnership at the top of the order, but their recent decline has come under growing scrutiny. The two were passed over for the forthcoming Asia Cup on Sunday, though, as the selectors continue to avoid the shortest format after their repeated failures in ICC competitions.

In cricket circles, the move has generated new discussion, with former all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez voicing strong opinions about their current position. Hafeez brushed off the notion that Babar and Rizwan should be referred to as "key players" in a statement posted on his YouTube channel. He clarified that only players who often win games for the national team should be given the designation.

Babar and Rizwan were both left off of the 17-man roster for the 2025 Asia Cup and the forthcoming T20I tri-series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Since their final appearance in the shortest format on the South African tour, the pair has been out of contention. Mohammad Hafeez recently expressed his opinions about Pakistan's Asia Cup team, stating that neither Babar nor Rizwan can be considered a major member of the team any longer because of their inability to win games.

Since 2022, Babar and Rizwan have both faced criticism for their subpar performances in ICC events, failing to live up to their status as the team's most senior hitters.

Hafeez, who has also been the director of cricket for Pakistan's men's squad, added that Hasan Nawaz, Saim Ayub, and Salman Ali Agha have been reliable players for the group. Additionally, he chastised Shahen Afridi and Naseem Shah for failing to produce game-winning performances.

Shaheen has been given another shot, and Salman will captain Pakistan in the Asia Cup. Prior to the Asia Cup, Pakistan will play Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates in a Twenty20 International tri-series.

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