Babar, Rizwan, Shaheen face selection doubts as PCB plans ahead

The careers of three major pillars of the Pakistani cricket team appear to be hanging in the balance. Shaheen, Babar, and Rizwan – all once key members of the national team – are now being consistently overlooked, raising questions about the future of their international careers.

Shaheen, 25, has seemingly fallen out of favor with selectors. After being left out of the home series against Bangladesh, he’s now also been excluded from the return tour. Sources claim that selector Aaqib Javed cited Shaheen’s underwhelming performance in New Zealand, saying he needs to correct his flaws. 

Ironically, Shaheen led Lahore Qalandars to a PSL title and was the tournament’s top wicket-taker with 19 scalps. Aaqib had previously worked with him as part of the same franchise, though their relationship is now said to be strained.

While vacationing in England with his family, Shaheen was called back by selectors, but was then left out of the squad without any prior notice. He reportedly found out through social media.

Some media reports had suggested disciplinary issues as the reason for his omission, but a top PCB official refuted these claims, reiterating that the decision was based purely on cricketing grounds, and that the board had not issued any directive against his selection. "If there were disciplinary issues, he wouldn’t have been invited to the training camp either,” the official added.

Regarding Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, sources reveal that there is currently no plan to include them in the T20 squad. Coach Mike Hesson has already advised both players that they must adapt their playing approach in the shorter format and show some intent if they hope to make a comeback.

Shaheen, Shadab Khan, and Salman Ali Agha are reportedly part of Mike Hesson’s “core team”, but will be rested periodically as part of a rotation policy. Shaheen might still be in contention for the upcoming West Indies tour, while Babar and Rizwan may be considered for the ODI squad.

It’s worth noting that Shadab is currently sidelined due to surgery, and the PCB is still in discussions to convert all three ODIs against the West Indies into T20 matches. If that happens, Babar and Rizwan’s return could be delayed even further.

Recently, in a media briefing, Coach Hesson said that Shaheen needs to improve his performance. He also dismissed rumors suggesting he had asked Babar Azam to take on wicketkeeping duties to re-enter the team. According to sources, these rumors were likely spread by “social media warriors” trying to drum up public support for the sidelined players.