Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has voiced strong criticism against the national selectors and team management for omitting Shreyas Iyer from India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup.

Iyer, who led Punjab Kings (PBKS) to an impressive Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign as captain, was one of the standout performers this season. His exclusion from the Asia Cup squad has triggered widespread backlash from fans and former players alike.

Kaif joined the growing chorus of support for the 30-year-old batter, expressing his confusion over the decision. "Shreyas Iyer`s name didn`t come up; the selectors said that it was a difficult task to fit him since only 15 could be selected. I can understand all that. I approve of you in this. But even after praising him, his name wasn`t even in the standbys," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.