In a move that has sparked heated debates among cricket fans across the subcontinent, Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam recently revealed his World T20 XI, notably omitting Indian legends Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. Despite their iconic status and proven performances in the T20 format, Babar chose Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav as his Indian representatives, citing the rule of selecting a maximum of two players per country.
Babar made the selection during a candid conversation on Zalmi TV, the official media channel of Peshawar Zalmi, where he currently serves as captain in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The lineup includes big names from across the cricketing world, showcasing a balance of explosive batting, lethal bowling, and match-winning all-rounders.
🏏 Babar Azam World T20 XI:
- Rohit Sharma (India)
- Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)
- Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)
- Suryakumar Yadav (India)
- Jos Buttler (England)
- David Miller (South Africa)
- Marco Jansen (South Africa)
- Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
- Pat Cummins (Australia)
- Mitchell Starc (Australia)
- Mark Wood (England)
The absence of Kohli and Bumrah raised eyebrows, especially considering their rich T20 legacy. Kohli, often dubbed “The Chase Master,” has consistently delivered in ICC events, while Bumrah remains one of the most fearsome death-over specialists in world cricket.
Babar Azam Trolled by Sam Billings Over PSL Records
Amid the buzz, England’s Sam Billings took a cheeky dig at Babar Azam by resharing a viral post on Instagram highlighting a contrast between the two players’ recent PSL performances. While Billings recorded the fastest fifty in PSL 2025, taking just 19 balls for Lahore Qalandars against Quetta Gladiators, Babar registered the slowest half-century, reaching the mark in 47 balls against Islamabad United. The irony wasn’t lost on fans, further fuelling social media banter.
PSL 2025 to Resume on May 17 After Suspension
In related news, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that PSL 2025 will resume on May 17, with the final slated for May 25. The tournament had been suspended last week due to rising India-Pakistan cross-border tensions.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Naqvi posted:
“PSL X picks up from where it left off. 6 teams, 0 fear. Get ready for 8 thrilling matches starting 17th May, leading up to the Grand Final on 25th May. Best of luck to all the teams!”
The PCB’s decision has been welcomed by fans eager to see their teams return to action, despite the geopolitical challenges that temporarily halted the league.
