Just five days ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 in which the two teams would engage again, Pakistan suffered defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the final of the tri-nation series. This marked the second defeat for Pakistan to New Zealand within the tri-nation series and again the concern has arisen regarding Pakistan’s opening. In particular, retired cricketers from the national team have uttered words regarding the new role of Babar Azam as an opener. The likes of Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Hafeez, who were both part of Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy-winning team, criticize the decision of opening Babar.
With the opening by the newly 22-year-old opening batsman Saim Ayub and below par displaying by Abdullah Shafique, Babar has been elevated to opening the batting. Unfortunately, Babar has also not lived up to par.
In his three innings in the tri-nation series, Babar has not been able to pass 30 runs and calls for his return to number three have increased.
Former pacer Mohammad Amir has made mention of the fact that Babar must be allowed to use his strengths.
“As I have said before, if I don’t get to bowl with the new ball, then I won’t be able to utilize my strength. Similarly, the aspect of Babar’s strength will come at number 3, where he knows how to build an innings. The role of an opener in T20s is an entirely different ball game from that in ODIs and Tests,” Amir told Pakistan-based outlet Geo News.
“In 10 overs, you have to take a chance. After the next 10 overs, you have to build a partnership. The role is different. Babar, yes, he’s a big player. But I think he should have played at number 3. This is his strength. Yes, when you’re stuck, you try different things. Maybe I should take runs from here or there,” Amir explained further.
Babar Azam became the joint-quickest man to get to 6000 ODI runs in the tri-series final, but a large majority of those runs have come at No. 3.
Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez gave three names that Pakistan should consider for selection so that Babar can play at the familiar No. 3 in the batting lineup.
“Shan Masood, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique. Take any one as opener and let Babar Azam play at No. 3 in the Champions Trophy. Make things easier for everyone,” pledged Hafeez, in a post on X.
1- Shaan Masood
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) February 14, 2025
2- Imam-ul-Haq
3- Abdullah Shafique
Take any one as opener & let Babar Azam play at no 3 in Champions trophy. Make things easier for everyone.
Pakistan will kick off their Champions Trophy campaign on February 19 against New Zealand, before taking on arch-rivals India on February 23 in Dubai. The final group game against Bangladesh is on February 27.
