“If I had the authority, I would include Babar Azam in the national T20 team," says Akram
Cricket icon Wasim Akram urged Babar Azam to rejoin the national T20 team on Thursday, highlighting the necessity for an experienced player in Pakistan’s batting lineup for the 2525 Asia Cup.
In December 2024, Babar last played for Pakistan in a Twenty20 International match against South Africa. He was removed from the team after a run of poor performances, including a decreased strike rate.
Akram recently stated his full support for the senior batter’s comeback to the T20 setup in an interview with a local sports station.
“I would include Babar Azam in the national T20 team if I had the authority,” Akram declared.
“We need a senior batter because the Asia Cup and World Cup are coming up. Supporters may remember that he scored runs at a strike rate of almost 150 in 2019 when playing for Somerset. He may modify his batting style based on the circumstances,” he continued.
The former left-arm pacer emphasized Babar’s ability to anchor run-chases and emphasized the value of experience in high-pressure situations, especially in important competitions.
“We need someone who can take charge and lead the other ten players alongside him when we’re chasing 140 or 160, especially against strong teams. “Babar is one of the best players in the world,” he said.
“He adapts his style to the match and format; he has done it before and will be able to do it again. Babar can do a lot for Pakistan and still has a lot of cricket left in him. We must all help him,” he continued.
The 59-year-old Babar offered his tactical viewpoint when asked where he would want to bat.
Babar can be used at any position by the coach. For him, I think number three is best, but it will depend on the circumstances. Someone else could bat first if there are still overs. He finished the remaining ten games with 236 runs at an average of 26 without reaching a half-century.
Notably, three of his previous five innings saw him fall short of double figures.
For those who don’t know, the 30-year-old last captained the national squad at the 2024 T20 World Cup, when the PCB prioritized youth development due to Pakistan’s dismal performance.
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