Shreyas Iyer's Omission from Asia Cup 2025 Sparks Debate
Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025 has triggered widespread criticism and debate across the cricketing community, particularly on social media. The decision, made by Ajit Agarkar’s selection committee, has been questioned by fans, former players, and even Iyer’s father, Santosh Iyer.
Adding to the chorus of disapproval, senior cricketers like R Ashwin and Irfan Pathan have publicly expressed their surprise over the omission of both Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Their criticism is underpinned by a specific clause in the Asia Cup regulations that allows participating teams to select a 17-member squad.
According to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) guidelines:
“Each squad will comprise seventeen (17) players, and eight (8) team officials. The touring squad from any participating country will therefore comprise twenty five (25) individuals.”
Despite this, India named only a 15-member squad for the tournament. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar defended the move, saying:
“With regards to Shreyas, I mean, we’ll have to tell you who he can replace. Again, no fault of his, nor is it ours. It’s just that we can only pick 15 and at the moment he will have to wait for his chance.”
On Yashasvi Jaiswal’s omission, Agarkar said:
“With regards to Yashasvi, it’s just unfortunate. With Abhishek Sharma... what he has done over the last few months or a year or so that he has been with the team, plus that he can bowl a little bit, gives us some options if required by the captain. One of these guys will always miss out. It’s just unfortunate that Yashasvi might have to wait for his chance.”
These explanations have done little to quell the backlash, especially given the clear provision to pick a 17-member squad. Many believe the selectors missed an opportunity to strengthen the squad without sacrificing existing members.
Former chief selector MSK Prasad weighed in, stating:
“My issue is not just about Iyer, but Mohammed Siraj too. Unless he has been rested as part of workload management, he should have been in the squad. He was the Player of the Match in the last Asia Cup final. When they had the option of taking 17, they could have gone with the full strength. I would have included two of the three — Iyer, Siraj, and Jaiswal.”
Prasad added that he understood the rationale of not overcrowding the squad, noting that a larger bench can sometimes exert unnecessary pressure on the playing XI.
Meanwhile, a BCCI source indicated that the selectors felt confident about the squad composition and did not see a need to utilize all 17 slots. However, with teams like Pakistan and Hong Kong confirming 17-member squads, India’s decision stands out.
Pragyan Ojha Joins Asia Cup Technical Committee
In related news, former India spinner Pragyan Ojha has been appointed to the technical committee of the Asia Cup. At 38, Ojha brings experience from his 24 Tests, 18 ODIs, and six T20Is, along with administrative roles in the IPL Governing Council and Indian Cricketers’ Association (ICA).
As part of the committee, Ojha will play a key role in adjudicating tournament-related disputes and overseeing the appointment of match officials. The panel is also responsible for ensuring that all tournament rules are upheld and may include representatives from other participating nations.