The former captain questioned the logic behind dropping a consistent top performer just ahead of crucial tournaments.

Afridi expressed that it makes no sense to exclude a player like Babar who has delivered solid performances consistently. He stressed that dropping a player with a proven track record, especially before major events like the Asia Cup and the ICC T20 World Cup, is a baffling decision.

He further highlighted Babar’s composure under pressure and his ability to score runs steadily — qualities that, according to Afridi, cannot and should not be overlooked.

In a recent interview, Afridi was asked whether Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan still deserve a place in the team. He responded confidently, saying “Babar is not only playing with a better strike rate but his quality is by no means lower than that of the current squad members.”

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Afridi also pointed out that if strike rate is the benchmark for selection, then the current players should be performing even better than Babar — but that hasn’t been the case. He openly questioned the decision-makers, asking: “If the stats show good performance, then what’s the justification for excluding such an experienced batter?”

Shahid Afridi’s remarks expose a growing rift in public and expert opinion regarding team selection. His defense of Babar Azam reflects the sentiments of many fans who are puzzled by the exclusion of a top-tier performer. With two major tournaments approaching, such decisions could affect team morale and consistency. The pressure is now on selectors to justify their calls with clear, performance-based criteria — or risk backlash from cricketing legends and supporters alike.