Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf openly voiced his surprise, saying the move simply ‘doesn’t add up.’

Taking to social media platform X, Yousuf said that including Babar in the ICC Men s T20 World Cup squad was already a puzzling choice given the format, but dropping him from the ODI setup raises even bigger questions.

‘If this is not about giving him rest, then it’s hard to see the logic behind it,’ Yousuf remarked, hinting that the decision may have been made in haste. He also asked who exactly was taking such “confusing calls” at the decision-making table.

The controversy comes at a sensitive moment for Pakistan cricket. The national side recently fell short of expectations in the T20 World Cup, failing to reach the semi final stage. Pakistan needed a commanding 65 run victory over Sri Lanka national cricket team in their final Super Eight match, a target that proved out of reach.

Babar, widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s most reliable batters, struggled to find rhythm during the tournament. In six innings, he managed only 91 runs a quiet return for a player usually known for setting the tempo at the crease.

Yet his recent ODI form tells a different story. In a three-match series against Sri Lanka, Babar looked back in his element, scoring 165 runs and notching up his 20th ODI century a reminder of the class that has made him the backbone of Pakistan’s batting lineup.

For many observers, that contrast makes the latest decision even more difficult to understand. Critics argue that while form may dip in one format, experience and consistency in another should still count.

As the debate grows louder, one thing is clear: Babar Azam’s absence from the ODI squad has raised eyebrows, stirred conversation, and left fans wondering whether Pakistan cricket is turning a new page or simply making a risky call.