Emphasizes the need for an experienced player in Pakistan’s batting set -up for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, the cricket legend Wasim Akram called for Babar Azam’s return to the National T20 troop on Thursday.
Babar last represented Pakistan in a T20 International against South Africa in December 2024. After a series of undergoing performances, including a lower strike frequency, he was dropped from the troop.
In a recent conversation with a local sports platform, Akram expressed its strong support for Senior Batter’s return to the T20 setup.
“If I had the authority, I would definitely include Babar Azam in the national T20 team,” said Akram.
“The Asia Cup and then the World Cup approaches and we need a senior dough. Fans can remember that when he represented Somerset in 2019, he scored running at almost a 150 strike frequency. He has the ability to customize his batting according to the situation,” he added.
The former left-arm Pacer emphasized the importance of experience in high-pressure matches, especially in major tournaments, highlighting Babar’s ability to anchor Run-Chases.
“When we chase 140 or 160, especially against big teams, we need someone who can take responsibility and carry the other 10 players with him. Babar is among the world’s best players,” he said.
“He adapts his game to the format and matching situation – he has done it in the past and can do it in the future too. Babar still has a lot of cricket back in him and can achieve a lot for Pakistan. We all have to support him,” he added.
When asked about Babar’s ideal position in the batting lineup, the 59-year-old shared his tactical perspective.
“The coach can play Babar at any position he wants. In my opinion, number three is ideal for him, but it will depend on the situation. If there are more overs back, another could also go in to beat first,” he concluded.
It is relevant to mention that Babar’s recent form in T20is has been under control. In his last 10 games, he scored 236 races an average of 26 without a single century.
In particular, he failed to reach double in three of his last five laps.
For the unwarterman, the 30-year-old led the last national team during the World Cup in 2024, when Pakistan’s disappointing campaign prompted the PCB to prioritize youth development.
