No Babar, No Crowd’: Former Cricketer Predicts Sparse Attendance for Bangladesh T20Is

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Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I Series: Concerns Over Babar Azam’s Absence

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, with Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi all left out. The matches will be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from May 28 to June 1, 2025.

Former cricketer Basit Ali criticized Babar’s omission, warning it could affect attendance. “No Babar, no crowd. What will happen in Lahore without him against Bangladesh?” he said.

Babar last appeared in a T20I in December 2024 but has faced scrutiny over his strike rate and recent form. Ex-players Shoaib Malik and Sohail Tanvir have also questioned his suitability for modern T20 cricket.

As Pakistan’s most marketable cricketer, Babar has been a major draw for fans at Gaddafi Stadium. His exclusion raises concerns that ticket sales may fall short during the Bangladesh series.

Pakistan squad: Agha Salman (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub.

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🔥 Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20Is — But No Babar!

The PCB has announced a 16-man squad for the three-match T20I series in Lahore (May 28 – June 1, 2025). Big names missing: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi.

Ex-cricketer Basit Ali isn’t happy:
👉 “No Babar, no crowd. What will happen in Lahore without him against Bangladesh?”

Babar hasn’t played T20Is since Dec 2024. Critics say his strike rate doesn’t fit modern T20 cricket — but fans know he’s still Pakistan’s biggest superstar. 💥

Will Gaddafi Stadium still pack out without him? 🏟️

Squad: Agha Salman (C), Shadab Khan (VC), Fakhar, Naseem, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali & more.

📍 Star Batters Snubbed Despite Strong PSL 10 Performances

In a surprising development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the PSL 10 Team of the Tournament, leaving out two of the league’s biggest names — Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.

Babar scored 288 runs, while Rizwan amassed 367 runs during the season, yet neither made the cut. The selection was finalized by members of the official commentary panel, according to Geo Super.

🏆 Shaheen Afridi Named Captain

Shaheen Shah Afridi, skipper of Lahore Qalandars, has been chosen to lead the Team of the Tournament. Afridi finished as the highest wicket-taker with 19 scalps in 13 matches.

His teammates Sikandar Raza and Fakhar Zaman also earned places in the XI, highlighting Qalandars’ dominance in the competition.

📋 PSL 10 Team of the Tournament

• Fakhar Zaman (Lahore Qalandars)
• Sahibzada Farhan (Islamabad United) – Wicketkeeper
• David Warner (Karachi Kings)
• James Vince (Karachi Kings)
• Hasan Nawaz (Quetta Gladiators)
• Sikandar Raza (Lahore Qalandars)
• Faheem Ashraf (Quetta Gladiators)
• Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars) – Captain
• Hasan Ali (Karachi Kings)
• Ali Raza (Peshawar Zalmi)
• Abrar Ahmed (Quetta Gladiators)
• Khushdil Shah (Karachi Kings)

🏟️ PSL 10 Recap

The 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League ran from April 11 to May 25, 2025, across Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi.

In the final at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore Qalandars defeated Quetta Gladiators by six wickets to clinch the title.