Wasim Akram thinks Babar Azam should be back in the T20I team before Asia Cup 2025 next month. Under coach Mike Hesson, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan haven’t been part of Pakistan’s T20I plans.
Babar Azam did well in the Asia Cup 2023, scoring 207 runs with an average of 51.75 and a strike rate of 97.64. But if you look closely, his stats are boosted by his 151-run innings against Nepal whose bowling wasn’t at its best.
Wasim Akram recently spoke to a local sports channel and strongly advocated for Babar’s inclusion in the team. He said experience is key with ACC Asia Cup 2025 and ICC T20 World Cup 2026 coming up.
Akram said if he had his way, he would definitely have Babar Azam in the T20 team. Since the Asia Cup and World Cup are around the corner, they need a batter who can stay calm under pressure.
When asked where Babar should bat, the 59-year-old Akram said the coach can decide where Babar bats, but he thinks number three is perfect for him but it depends on the game. If there are more overs left, another player can be sent to bat first.
It’s worth noting that Babar’s T20I form has been questioned. In his last 10 games he has scored 236 runs with an average of 26 and no half-centuries.
Babar was the captain of Pakistan during the 2024 T20 World Cup. The team’s poor performance led the Pakistan Cricket Board to focus on building up younger players.
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In the midst of team composition and future plans, some cricket analysts and fans wonder if bringing back experienced players like Babar Azam will provide the stability and guidance to succeed in big tournaments. Others think focusing on newcomers will give Pakistan cricket a fresh dynamic.
This difference of opinion shows the ongoing debate around the team’s direction and the balance between honoring past achievements and giving opportunities to the future.As Asia Cup 2025 approaches, the Babar Azam recall raises bigger questions about Pakistan cricket leadership and its vision. Wasim Akram’s endorsement carries weight given his stature and knowledge of the game. The final selection will be a careful balance of current form, experience and a team for now and future.
