By Zainab Shafiq 
The Hundred 2025 is still months away, but the excitement is already building. With top cricketers from around the globe signing up for the draft, fans are eager to see who will light up the tournament this season. However, the absence of Pakistan’s biggest cricketing stars, Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam, from The Hundred 2025 draft list has sparked curiosity and debate.
Why Are Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam Missing from The Hundred 2025 Draft?
The exclusion of Shaheen and Babar isn’t a snub or an oversight—it’s a carefully considered decision by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Both players are central to Pakistan’s success across all formats, and PCB is prioritising their workload management.
Shaheen, in particular, has battled multiple injuries over the past few years, and the board is keen to ensure he remains fit for crucial tournaments. With the Asia Cup set to take place in September 2025, Pakistan’s management wants its key pacer in peak condition rather than risking burnout in domestic competition.
Pakistan’s Busy Schedule Clashes with The Hundred
Another major reason for their absence is Pakistan’s international commitments. The Hundred kicks off on 5 August, but at the same time, Pakistan will be touring the West Indies.
The T20I series against the Windies begins on 31 July, with the ODI series following from 8 August. With Pakistan focused on these crucial fixtures, allowing Shaheen and Babar to participate in The Hundred wouldn’t be practical. The team needs its best players fresh and ready for international duty rather than expending energy in an overseas league.
Which Pakistan Players Have Entered the Draft?
While Shaheen and Babar won’t feature in The Hundred 2025, several other Pakistani cricketers have put their names forward. Some of the notable players hoping to secure contracts include:
Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Zaman Khan, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim, Hassan Ali, Azam Khan, Ammad Butt, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, Mohammad Haris, Haider Ali, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Abbas, Nauman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Azan Awais, Ahmad Daniyal, Sameen Gul, Mohammad Ali
Although two of Pakistan’s biggest names won’t be part of the competition, the tournament will still have a strong representation from the country. With emerging talents and seasoned campaigners in the mix, teams in The Hundred will have plenty of options to choose from when building their squads.
Also, see:
List of all injured players before IPL 2025