Pakistan downgrade Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwans central contracts, players also left out of T20 Asia Cup in the UAE that runs from September 9-28 in the UAE; Test captain Shan Masood sees deal drop from band B to band D;

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson took to social media to explain the Asia Cup squad selection after facing criticism for leaving out Babar Azam criticism.

Compared to last year's list of 27 contracted players, the PCB has expanded the pool to 30, including 12 fresh additions.

Pakistan cricket board announced its team. Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan are not in the team for the upcoming tri-series in UAE and Asia Cup. Salman

Mike Hesson added that Pakistan will need to back players who have performed in recent series in Rizwan and Babar's absence.