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Former Pakistan pacer Tanvir Ahmed has urged Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to consider retirement after their omission from Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad, sparking debate over their future.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced their 17-member squad for both the Asia Cup and Tri-nation series, but the absence has sparked debate within the cricket fraternity.

Reacting to the squad announcement, former test pacer Tanvir Ahmed took to social media to express his disappointment and also urged the duo to stey away from the format.

“”Meri Babar Azam Aur Rizwan Say Request Hai AP Log Yeh Samajhtey hain ap logon ke izzat nahi ha tou retirement ley lo internets @Babarazam258, @imrizwanpak IZAZAT 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),” Tanvir wrote on X.

He also questioned the PCB’s decision making particularly the inclusion of Fakhar Zaman, who recently struggled with injuries during the West Indies tour.

“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.

Babar Azam last featured in the T20Is in December 2024 and endured a disappointing ODI series defeat against West Indies where he managed to score 47, 0 and 9. Despite his impressive stint in PSL 2025, he inconsistency has raised concerns.

Meanwhile Mohammad Rizwan has missed most of the T20Is in 2025 and saw a dip in performance in ODI format scoring only 16 and 0.

With the rise of Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan, the selectors have clearly opted for youngsters ahead of T20 World Cup 2026.

Although the inclusion of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf adds depth to the bowling unit, the absence of Pakistan’s two most remarkable batters has raised concerns.

The Asia Cup 2025 is set to be played in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and Pakistan will start their campaign against Oman on September 12, followed by a clash against India on September 14.