(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Wasim Akram Urges Babar Azam’s Return Ahead of Asia Cup: “We Need His Experience”
With the Asia Cup 2025 approaching and Pakistan facing uncertainty over its top-order batting options, legendary pacer Wasim Akram has publicly supported the return of Babar Azam to the national T20 side. The former captain believes that Babar’s experience and calm temperament could be vital for Pakistan in the upcoming high-stakes tournaments.
Babar Azam’s Absence Raises Questions
Babar Azam last played a T20 International in December 2024 against South Africa. Since then, he has been left out of the T20I squad, largely due to concerns over his strike rate and evolving team dynamics under new leadership, including head coach Mike Hesson.
While players like Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, and Fakhar Zaman have been tested in the opening role, Fakhar’s recent injury has left a significant gap at the top. With no clear timeline for his return, calls for Babar’s comeback are growing louder.
Wasim Akram Makes a Strong Case
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, Akram said:
“If I had the authority, I’d bring him back without hesitation. We are entering back-to-back global events, including the Asia Cup and the World Cup. This is when you need players like Babar who can stay calm under pressure.”
Akram dismissed the criticism of Babar’s strike rate, calling it an “excuse” rather than a valid concern. He cited Babar’s performance in the 2019 Vitality Blast for Somerset, where the right-hander scored runs at a strike rate close to 150, as evidence of his ability to accelerate when needed.
“People forget that he’s evolved. He knows how to read situations and play accordingly. That’s a rare quality,” Akram added.
Form vs. Class Debate
While some critics have pointed to Babar’s recent dip in form — including 10 T20Is without a half-century and three single-digit scores in his last five innings — Akram believes the focus should be on the bigger picture.
“Every great player goes through a rough patch. But what Babar brings to the dressing room — leadership, calmness, and experience — is irreplaceable.”
A Chance to Prove Himself Again
Babar is expected to feature in the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies, which may offer him a chance to regain his rhythm and push for T20I selection. A strong performance in the Caribbean could shift the selectors’ stance and put Babar back in contention for the Asia Cup and World Cup squads.
Final Thoughts
With Pakistan’s T20 team focusing more on youth, it remains to be seen whether the selectors will bring back one of their most seasoned batters. However, with high-pressure tournaments ahead, Babar Azam’s experience could be the missing piece Pakistan needs to succeed on the global stage.
