In a statement on February 19 onward, concerning the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, interim head coach Aqib Javed of Pakistan voiced support for Babar Azam to open the batting.
After the five-wicket loss of Pakistan against New Zealand for the title of the tri-nation ODI series, Javed gave his opinion regarding Babar’s promotion to the opening slot. According to Javed, he supported the management’s decision to promote their star batter and was optimistic that the erstwhile captain would be able to do well in this position in these critical upcoming matches.
“The rationale was, if you look at the away series against South Africa, Babar Azam had to bat in the first over in all games. Then Saim got injured and he had to open in Tests too; these pitches are not troubling the batters at the start; we wanted our best batter to make good use of the power play, that suits us more,” explained Aqib at a post-match press conference.
“So, in this condition, I think Babar should open, and I am hopeful that he will play a big innings in important matches,” he added.
Despite the fact that they only won one game out of three during the recently concluded tri-nation ODI series, Javed said he was confident that the squad would “do great” in the tournament, stressing that the team has every foundation necessary to thrive.
“This team will do great in the Champions Trophy. If this team bats normally and down till number eight you can score 350. If Haris Rauf gets fit and gets in form with Naseem and Shaheen as well as our spinners, this lineup has everything it needs to defeat any team,” stated Javed.
“We had to have a spin all-rounder and a pace all-rounder and that is why Khushdil and Faheem are in the side. There has to be variety when you are playing tournaments,” he added.
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali was also not happy from the team’s decision to elevate Babar as opener in Saim Ayub’s absence.
“If you had won the tri-nation series then your confidence level would have been high, every boy’s confidence level would have been high,” Basit said on his YouTube channel.
“Now, just 62 runs in three matches in the tri-series. This is the approach, this is the thinking,” he lamented.
Pakistan will play their opening match of the Champions Trophy against New Zealand in the inaugural tournament match in Karachi on February 19.
